Chapter 3: The Arrogant Jealous Man

"Young master, everything you requested has been prepared. This is a senior student ID for River City No. 8 High School, and I have arranged a welcoming banquet for you."

"You’ve worked hard."

"Young master, how could you say such a thing? If not for Ghost Valley, how could this old servant have what I possess today—becoming the richest man in River City! Since you have come to River City, I must serve you with all my heart!"

"You have not let your favor breed arrogance, which is rare and admirable. This pill is your reward."

With a flick of Ling Xiao’s finger, a crimson light shot into the old man’s palm. Upon seeing it, the old man’s pupils contracted instantly. Ignoring the strange looks from those nearby, he knelt down in excitement.

"What virtue or ability do I possess to receive the Enlightenment Pill personally bestowed by the young master?"

Ling Xiao boarded the car, his expression indifferent as he spoke:

"This is what you deserve. Get up—no need to let others see and wonder."

"Yes, young master!"

The old man personally took the driver’s seat, respectfully saying:

"Young master, you did not have to come yourself. I could have found the Ninefold Celestial Maiden and delivered her to you!"

"The Ninefold Celestial Maiden is crucial to my cultivation. I cannot afford carelessness. Just drive; there’s no need for unnecessary questions."

"Yes!"

The car soon arrived at the city’s largest manor. The old man invited Ling Xiao into the living room, which resembled a small palace, lavish and opulent.

Every item—from the utensils on the table to the murals on the walls—was anything but ordinary.

"Grandpa, you’re back?"

As the two entered the living room, a young girl hurried down from upstairs. Though her beauty was not unrivaled, she was still a striking figure, enhanced further by the nourishment of wealth. Her skin was as white as snow—a standard beauty.

"Young master, this is my granddaughter, Chen Tianjiao. I’ve raised her since childhood. Besides learning to manage business, she’s also picked up a few skills for health and strength."

Ling Xiao nodded, saying little more.

With his discerning eye, he could tell from Chen Tianjiao’s gait that her strength was negligible—a far cry from any true martial art.

"Tianjiao, come quickly and greet the Ghost Valley young master!"

"Young master?"

Chen Tianjiao glanced Ling Xiao up and down, seeing no designer brands, and her gaze grew openly disdainful.

"Grandpa, stop associating with these rural frauds. They’re all scam artists. Young master? What era are we in? Why doesn’t he call himself ‘sect leader’ instead?"

"Insolent girl!"

The elder’s face darkened.

"The young master is of noble status. If you keep babbling, I’ll beat you!"

He quickly bowed to Ling Xiao in apology.

"Young master, my granddaughter is far too spoiled. Please forgive her!"

Ling Xiao’s expression remained indifferent.

"No harm done. She’s just a child—it doesn’t matter."

These words, instead of calming Chen Tianjiao, infuriated her. Her face turned cold.

"Who are you calling a child? Judging by your appearance, you’re only seventeen or eighteen yourself. How dare you be so rude?"

The elder barked at her again.

"Do you have a death wish?"

Chen Tianjiao rolled her eyes.

"I can’t stand these frauds! No real skills, just empty posturing! Aren’t you the Ghost Valley young master? All talk, no action! If you have the ability, show me what you can do!"

The elder’s face paled with anger, and he hastily pleaded with Ling Xiao.

"Young master, please don’t take offense. I’ll drag her away and teach her a lesson. I—"

At that moment, Ling Xiao waved his hand.

"If you drag her away, she won’t accept it. Ghost Valley has always relied on virtue to win hearts. Since she wishes to see, it’s no matter."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a one-yuan coin. Seeing this, Chen Tianjiao’s contempt grew even stronger.

Indeed, a pauper—who would carry a coin in their pocket if they were wealthy?

Just as she was thinking this, Ling Xiao suddenly flicked his finger. A bolt of lightning shot forth, grazing Chen Tianjiao’s cheek and sinking straight into the staircase behind her.

"Boom—!"

In an instant, the staircase exploded. The blast and debris hurled Chen Tianjiao forward, landing her directly at Ling Xiao’s feet, kneeling.

In that moment, Chen Tianjiao was completely petrified.

What just happened? It was like a scene from a movie. Looking back at the staircase, her eyes widened in terror. The entire staircase had been shattered by the coin, and embedded in the wall behind it was half a coin, sunk deep into the plaster.

"You... are you human or a ghost?"

Chen Tianjiao’s lips trembled, but Ling Xiao said nothing more, hands clasped behind his back as he walked inside.

"This time, for Old Chen’s sake, I spare your life. Next time, you can have him prepare your coffin!"

"Hiss—!"

Chen Tianjiao couldn’t help but suck in a cold breath, her scalp tingling.

Her grandfather hurried to help her up.

"Foolish child, I’ve warned you before—not to be so arrogant. Now do you understand? There is always someone beyond the sky, and someone stronger than you! If the young master wished to kill you, even I couldn’t protect you!"

With a grave expression, Chen Tianjiao nodded. She now understood—Ling Xiao was not someone she could afford to provoke.

The Chen family, grandfather and granddaughter, accompanied Ling Xiao for lunch. Afterwards, the elder wished for Ling Xiao to stay at their home, but Ling Xiao needed a quiet and spiritual place to cultivate. Thus, the elder spent a fortune to purchase an ancient estate by the river.

That afternoon, Ling Xiao moved into the old mansion and began his meditation.

After a long while, Ling Xiao emerged from his trance, exhaling a stream of energy that swept away all dust within a hundred meters.

He clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a fierce, electric light.

"Peak of Martial Saint Tenth Layer! There’s just a step to reach Martial Lord. With the Ninefold Celestial Maiden, I could break through with ease!"

Anyone overhearing this would be stunned.

The path of martial arts is arduous—most people train for decades without even reaching the lowest rank of martial artist.

Above martial artists are Martial Masters, Martial Saints, Martial Lords, and the legendary Martial Emperor.

Yet here was Ling Xiao, not yet twenty, already at the peak of Martial Saint Tenth Layer—truly a prodigy.

He glanced out the window; the moon was already high.

"Enough, I should eat."

With that, Ling Xiao left the old mansion and made his way to a western restaurant downtown.

"Good evening, sir. Are you dining alone?"

"Yes."

"Please, this way. What would you like to order? Our specialties include..."

Ling Xiao ordered a meal. The waitress hurried to mark it at the front desk. Soon after, several young figures entered, one of whom, a graceful silhouette, happened to glance into the lounge and spotted Ling Xiao. She immediately ran over, excited.

"What a coincidence! I never expected to meet you here!"

Ling Xiao glanced at her indifferently—it was the girl from the car during the day.