Longevity Martial Arts: I have a Mysterious Water Snake Avatar

Although third-rank Thunder Tao attack Cultivation Techniques were commonplace within the Phoenix Creek Sect, obtainable with three or four years of diligent work, in a place like Pengcheng, they were incredibly scarce and precious.

A single third-rank Thunder Tao attack Cultivation Technique could become the foundation of a small clan, allowing them to reap benefits repeatedly in their struggles.

Compared to the promise Hong Yuan had secured, it was like comparing pottery to jade.

At that moment, due to Hong Yuan's command, a storm of blood and violence erupted once more in the Pengcheng region.

「In the Lianyun Mountain Range of Pengcheng, on Broken Cloud Mountain.」

A man in black, long saber in hand, stared coldly at a pair of youths on the cliff ahead.

"House Protector Ma, my Wang Family did not treat you poorly. When you were destitute on the streets, starving, it was my grandfather who gave you a menial job and a place to stay," Wang Lei pleaded desperately. "Now that you have the 'Thunder Sword Tribulation,' please let us go."

His younger brother, Wang Zhiya, also wore a pleading expression, looking utterly pitiful.

"Haha," Ma Dong laughed loudly. "Young masters, am I not offering you a way out? Just hand over the original 'Thunder Sword Tribulation,' and I will retreat immediately."

Ma Dong did not believe that these two young men, renowned for their precocity, would so easily hand over the 'Thunder Sword Tribulation' to him; the real 'Thunder Sword Tribulation' must still be in their possession. The one he had was, in all likelihood, a fake.

If not for his wariness of the two youths standing atop the mountain peak, ready to dive into the Cang River with a single leap, Ma Dong would have pounced on them long ago.

"Despicable! Those who betray their masters deserve to be killed by all! Ma Dong, don't get too smug!"

Seeing the resolute betrayal in the family servant's heart, Wang Lei cursed angrily, then, clutching his younger brother, turned and leaped into the Cang River.

BOOM!

With a loud crash, water splashed high into the air. Ma Dong hurried to the mountain's peak and looked down.

Damn little things, choosing death over letting me have my way, Ma Dong's eyes seemed to shoot fire, filled with immense fury.

But soon, a sinister sneer spread across his face.

Such stubbornness! But even if you escape the Cang River's grasp and my clutches, can you escape the pursuit of the Giant Whale Gang and the Long Lake Commerce Guild's hungry wolves?

The day was sunny and bright, the sky cloudless—a perfect day for an outing.

Accepting his niece Yue'er's invitation, Hong Yuan headed to the General's Mansion. He was ready to go on a spring outing with Yue'er and lift their spirits.

Worms, Talismans, Formations, medicinal powders… Bows, black robes, night clothes, warhorses…

Hong Yuan took inventory of his equipment in the Dongyu District Official's practice room. Only after ensuring everything was accounted for and ready did he set out.

With these tools, along with the "Flying Oriole" killer move, he was confident he could escape with Yue'er even if a fourth-rank Martial Artist attacked.

Plan for escape even before thinking of victory.

When it came to escaping, Hong Yuan had some experience.

CLIP-CLOP.

Hong Yuan sat in the General's Mansion carriage, watching the coachman strut about imperiously, exploiting the General's Mansion's authority to act overbearingly.

Commoners who saw the carriage quickly moved aside.

Some martial artists, who considered themselves to have some status, initially wanted to teach the impertinent coachman a lesson. However, their voices faded as soon as they saw the Black Wolf Flag, and they looked at the carriage with reverence.

This only inflated the coachman's arrogance further, causing him to hold his head high, almost as if he were looking down on others through his nostrils.

That was then, this is now, Hong Yuan mused, watching the coachman. He thought of leveraging power. The original source is M|V|L5EMPYR.

If it weren't for the protective shield of the General's Mansion, would this coachman dare to be so arrogant? He probably would have been killed by other martial artists by now.

For some reason, Hong Yuan thought of his Demonic Beast Avatar. Without the protection of the Black Dragon Demon Saint, powerful Demon Beasts like Huan Yuelong and Yuan Juedi would likely have dismembered him long ago.

But then again, without the Black Dragon Demon Saint's protection, I wouldn't have acted so brazenly either. It seems that one's personal efforts are indeed important, but sometimes, having the right platform is even more crucial, Hong Yuan reflected.

As Hong Yuan pondered, the carriage arrived at the General's Mansion in Pengcheng.

The coachman steadily steered the carriage to its designated spot. His head was now bowed, and he had resumed his humble and compliant demeanor.

The coachman showed none of the wild arrogance he had displayed in the inner city. His demeanor now was starkly different from before.

Hong Yuan paid the insignificant coachman no further attention.

"Little Uncle!"

Yue'er, a smile on her face, spread her arms wide and, with quick little steps, pattered lightly into Hong Yuan's embrace.

After spending the past two months together, the relationship between Hong Yuan and his little niece Yue'er could be described as extremely harmonious.

This was mainly because Hong Yuan knew how to make children happy and had spent enough time understanding Yue'er's likes and dislikes.

"Haha, Yue'er has become even cuter," Hong Yuan said with a laugh as he lifted her into his arms and affectionately tapped her delicate nose.

At that moment, Yue'er wore a white fox cap and a light white, plain dress, the hem embroidered with pale blue butterflies that seemed poised to take flight. Her silky, ink-black hair cascaded casually around her waist. She had a slender figure, a tender waist, and was as adorable as a fairy.

She was like a little princess; no, in the Pengcheng area, her status was even more precious than that of a princess.

"Hehe, Little Uncle is flattering me again," Yue'er said, her tone playfully reproachful, but the joyful crinkle in her eyes clearly revealed her true feelings.

"How could I be flattering you? I am simply stating a fact. If you don't believe me, you can ask everyone else," Hong Yuan replied.

Even though Yue'er was a precocious three-year-old, Hong Yuan never brushed her off carelessly but treated her like a little adult.

Perhaps that was the reason he had gained Yue'er's trust.

"Indeed, indeed!"

"Officer Hong speaks the truth; our young mistress is naturally adorable."

"It's true! Even the bright moon in the sky seems dim compared to our young mistress!"

The maids and nannies chimed in with similar affirmations, nodding in agreement and coaxing Yue'er until she beamed with delight.

After signaling his elder martial brother with a wave, Hong Yuan then headed with Yue'er toward the Lianyun Mountain Range.

A large contingent followed Hong Yuan and Yue'er. Among the martial artists alone, there were three third-rank Martial Artists, nine second-rank Martial Artists, and numerous first-rank Martial Artists.

This force was more than enough to dominate most of the sects and families in Pengcheng.

「Atop the tower of the General's Mansion.」

Mo Jiuyou watched the departing group, lost in thought for a moment.

"Mo Shan."

At Mo Jiuyou's call, a figure suddenly appeared at the top of the tower. He knelt on one knee, awaiting Mo Jiuyou's instructions.

"You go with them as well. Your task is to protect Yue'er's safety," Mo Jiuyou instructed.

Mo Shan was a death warrior Mo Jiuyou had painstakingly cultivated. Although he had just reached the fourth-rank Martial Artist level—and a relatively weak one at that—he was more than capable of covertly protecting Yue'er.

"Yes, My Lord."

Mo Shan's figure gradually vanished, leaving no trace. Only then did Mo Jiuyou's heart settle, and he returned to his miscellaneous affairs.

As a True Disciple of the Phoenix Creek Sect, he governed not only military matters but also a series of tasks including personnel appointments and financial operations. This made him akin to a regional superintendent.