Chapter 32: Gathering of Heroes

Ming Cheng took a deep breath and stepped into Ling Xiao’s room. Ling Xiao stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, hands clasped behind his back, his figure turned away from Ming Cheng.

Ming Cheng bowed his head in shame and knelt on the floor.
“Young Master, I have disgraced you.”

Ling Xiao’s expression remained indifferent.
“Ming Cheng, how many years has it been since you were reborn?”

“Forty years.”

“Forty years ago, you were an Emperor of Martial Arts. An Emperor reborn—after forty years, you should have regained all your cultivation. Yet now, you are only at the sixth stage of Martial Master!”

Ming Cheng gritted his teeth and sighed.
“Young Master, I am discouraged. Even if I were to become an Emperor again, what would it matter? In this lower realm, I might be considered a master, but outside these borders, I am nothing! Without connections, unable to curry favor, I don’t even qualify to ascend to the higher realm!”

“In the past, my strength was enough to rank me in the top ten of China. And what happened? Martial Emperors far weaker than me have ascended countless times! All my effort is laughable, like a laborer before the sects of the upper realms. As light and insignificant as a feather! No matter how hard I try, what can I change?”

Ling Xiao’s face was calm as ever.

“Ming Cheng, what do you think of me?”

Ming Cheng was taken aback, then replied,
“Young Master, you possess the fortune of heaven and earth, far beyond ordinary people!”

“Then what are you afraid of? I am your support!”

His words were steadfast, as if a sovereign opening his golden mouth to his loyal subjects.

Ming Cheng’s heart trembled, though a trace of bitterness lingered on his face.

“Young Master, you are destined for greatness. To serve at your side is already my good fortune. But I do not wish to burden you.”

“If you don’t want to be a burden, then you should work harder in your cultivation! I keep you by my side because I value your talent. As long as I, Ling Xiao, am here, no one in this world can bully you! But if you continue to stagnate, you may return to Ghost Valley, rejoin the drills of the Hall of War Gods. Don’t stay here and vex me!”

“Young Master…”

“Go, return to your own room and think it over. I give you only one night. If you cannot understand, there’s no need to say farewell tomorrow.”

“Young Master… I obey.”

Ming Cheng withdrew, and Ling Xiao let out a long, gentle sigh.

“Ming Cheng, you see me as your young master, but I see you as one of my few friends. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

…

The next day, sunlight bathed the world. Ling Xiao donned a stylish, tailored suit and left the house, with Xiu’er following behind.

As they passed Ming Cheng’s room, Ling Xiao remarked calmly,

“Why hasn’t Ming Cheng come out?”

Xiu’er was puzzled as well.
“I’m not sure. Last night, Lord Ming asked me for ten million, said he was going out to buy something, and after returning, he’s been holed up in his room, hasn’t come out. Should I call him?”

“No need, let him be. There’s nothing important today, just the two of us will do.”

“Yes, Young Master!”

They departed, heading straight for the Jiangzhou Water Park.

Today, the water park had been cordoned off. After all, the auction would feature many important items, and the identities of distinguished guests were not to be overly exposed.

Upon arrival, Xiu’er took the driver to search for a parking spot. Ling Xiao exited the car, waiting alone at the entrance.

He had barely been standing for two minutes when a familiar voice sounded from behind.

“Ling Xiao! How are you here?”

Ling Xiao furrowed his brow slightly and turned. It was Ling Xue, the daughter of his uncle.

A few girls around her were of similar age.

Ling Xiao had already been thoroughly disappointed by Ling Xue after their last meeting, so he had nothing more to say.

“Do I need to report my whereabouts to you now?”

Seeing Ling Xiao’s cold attitude, Ling Xue snorted lightly.

In her eyes, Ling Xiao lacked self-awareness!

He was no longer the eldest son of the Ling family, yet instead of working properly, he idled about all day—useless!

“Today the water park is temporarily closed for a charity auction. Ordinary people aren’t allowed inside, you should go home and stop waiting here.”

She didn’t even give Ling Xiao a chance to reply, striding straight inside.

Ling Xiao was treated like an insignificant ant, unworthy of another word.

The girls walked by, their voices fading away.

“Hey, Ling Xue, who was that? He’s really handsome!”

“What’s the use of being handsome? He’s got no parents, no money. Could he ever support any of you?”

At her words, the other girls shook their heads.

“So he’s poor? Then forget it! I want to marry a rich young master.”

“Me too. My mother said, if the dowry isn’t at least a million, don’t even think about entering our door!”

…

Ling Xiao shook his head and sighed. He was utterly disappointed in Ling Xue.

This cousin had long lost her innocence and kindness, leaving only a rather attractive shell.

“Mr. Ling, what a coincidence! I didn’t expect to see you here!”

A sweet voice called out, but this time Ling Xiao did not frown.

He turned and gave a gentlemanly smile.

“I didn’t expect Miss Mu to come as well.”

It was Mu Yiren. Today, she wore a pale yellow long dress, topped with a matching small hat, giving her a distinct Lolita aura.

“Among the auction items today are some belongings of an old friend, so I came to see if I could buy them. But Mr. Ling, what brings you to this auction? With your resources, surely these items aren’t worth your attention?”

Ling Xiao smiled calmly.

“Just here for some fun.”

“Why not go inside the park?”

“I’m waiting for my maid—she has the ticket.”

“Oh, I see. Then come in with me—I have a ticket! You can call your maid.”

“All right.”

With that, Ling Xiao followed Mu Yiren into the park, sending Xiu’er a quick message.

Inside, a crowd had already gathered. Every person wore designer brands—nothing bought from a street stall.

These families were all wealthy or noble.

Mu Yiren noticed the confusion in Ling Xiao’s gaze and explained,

“Those who come to this auction aren’t ordinary kids, so this charity auction has gradually become a place for young people to mingle and build connections. In fact, many couples first met here—who knows, perhaps some will leave as lovers!”

Ling Xiao nodded.

“So that’s how it is.”

His earlier doubts about Ling Xue’s presence were now resolved—so this was the reason.