August 19, 2024
Ye Ziyun was troubled.
She took out the Nine Transformations Ice Phoenix Art that Nie Li had given her.
The value of this art was beyond imagination, yet Nie Li was willing to give her such a precious technique?
A mix of annoyance and gratitude stirred in her heart, making it hard for Ye Ziyun to find peace.
After a long time, Ye Ziyun finally managed to suppress her embarrassment and focused on cultivating the Nine Transformations Ice Phoenix Art.
Gradually, her heart settled, and her Soul Realm seemed to form a thin layer of ice, as a pure power flowed within her.
Ye Ziyun's skin took on a glistening, jade-like tone, surpassing her prior beauty, as if she were a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
As her soul force steadily increased, impurities were expelled from Ye Ziyun's body, leaving her sweaty.
Suddenly, an azure light burst from her, resembling a giant azure lotus.
Abruptly, Ye Ziyun opened her eyes, her beautiful pupils as pure as gemstones.
The strength of the Nine Transformations Ice Phoenix Art far exceeded her expectations.
Originally near the Bronze 1-star level, she directly smashed through the barrier after cultivating the art, reaching the Bronze 1-star rank.
Feeling sticky and uncomfortable, Ye Ziyun quickly ordered her maid to prepare some water.
In the bath, the flower petals emitted a fragrant scent.
Ye Ziyun slowly removed her silk dress, revealing a perfectly shaped figure and skin as smooth and translucent as jade.
Cultivating the Nine Transformations Ice Phoenix Art had enhanced her beauty significantly.
Although she had yet to reach her prime years, she had matured quite nicely.
Slowly, her delicate ankle stepped into the petals, feeling the warm water cleanse her of grime.
The petals left an enticing fragrance on her skin.
Lost in thought, Ye Ziyun gently caressed her smooth skin with her slender fingers.
She glanced at the butterfly-shaped birthmark on her chest, feeling a strange sensation arise again.
This butterfly-shaped mark had been with her since birth, a gentle touch she repeated, though she had not yet reached the fullness of womanhood, she already exuded such charm.
Had Nie Li ever seen her birthmark?
Ye Ziyun's heart fluttered.
If Nie Li truly had seen it, then had he seen her fully uncovered?
Just then, rustling sounds came from outside.
"Who? Who's peeking?" Ye Ziyun quickly crossed her arms over her chest, a faint blush of shame and anger crossing her face.
Nie Li, that scoundrel!
"Miss, it's me!" A pretty maid appeared from behind the curtain.
It was just her maid, Xiaodie.
Ye Ziyun let out a silent breath, her cheeks still somewhat flushed.
Nie Li hadn't even reached Bronze level yet, so how could he possibly have snuck into the heavily guarded City Lord's mansion? She must be overthinking! But how did Nie Li see her birthmark in the first place?
The night passed without incident.
The next day, at the Treasure Pavilion.
This large shop specialized in selling various armors, weapons, and rune scrolls, located just a few hundred meters from the gates of the Saint Orchid Academy.
"Boss, I want this set of Bronze Fury Flame Armor and this Fury Flame Sword," Nie Li pointed out among the Bronze armors and weapons.
"The Fury Flame set contains four pieces: armor, gauntlets, greaves, and boots. It costs five hundred thousand demon spirit coins, while the Fury Flame Sword is two hundred thousand demon spirit coins. All are top-notch Bronze-level items made from the scales of the Fury Flame Beast. Even Bronze-level demon beasts can't breach them easily, and Silver-level beasts would struggle mightily. Are you sure you want them?" The shopkeeper appraised Nie Li as he asked.
"Of course, do you think I'm joking with you?" Nie Li tossed over a pouch.
"There are seventy million demon spirit coins in there."
"Right away, I'll wrap these up for you!" The shopkeeper grinned from ear to ear.
"I also want this armor and these rune scrolls. Wrap them all up for me, along with this, this, and this..."
After selling a large amount of Violet Orchid Grass, Nie Li's wealth was astonishingly sufficient to buy these things easily.
Nie Li must belong to some prestigious family, being so lavish with his purchases.
The day's sales at Treasure Pavilion were equivalent to a few months' worth, and the shopkeeper's smile was about to stretch off his face.
Nie Li bought a Spatial Ring of around five or six cubic meters and stored everything inside.
As for the Fury Flame set, he wore it directly under his clothes.
The armor was so lightweight it couldn't be seen under his clothing.
"Let's head to the classroom today and return the money to Xiao Ning'er," Nie Li mused, strolling leisurely towards the academy.
As he rounded a corner near Saint Orchid Academy, a group of people suddenly blocked his path.
"Hey kid, finally caught you!" Shen Yue sneered at Nie Li, with six followers eyeing him mockingly.
Nie Li had long known Shen Yue's gang was following him, intentionally leading them to a secluded area.
He let a covert smile slip; now, let's see how he plays this out!
"What do you want?" Nie Li feigned fear.
"Scared now, are you? I've been itching to beat you. Today, you've asked for it! Get him!" Shen Yue roared.
Shen Yue's six followers rushed at Nie Li like hungry wolves, ready to pounce.
"Hit him hard! Beat him till he can't get up!" Shen Yue's face twisted with cruel delight.
"Stay back! I'll fight back!" Nie Li dodged while using soul force to shout, "Murder! The Divine Sacred Family is murdering people!" Seizing a good opportunity, Nie Li splashed dirty water all over the Divine Sacred Family's name.
Using a soul secret, Nie Li's voice boomed like thunder, hurting people's ears.
"Damn it, shut that kid up, hurry!" Shen Yue's face twitched hearing Nie Li's shouting.
Nie Li's cries could be heard across the entire Saint Orchid Academy, and they sounded more tragic than a pig being slaughtered!
Thump, thump, thump!
Blows rained down on Nie Li from Shen Yue's followers.
Three were Bronze 2-stars, three were Bronze 1-stars.
Normally, they'd floor Nie Li in no time, but despite getting hit, Nie Li seemed unharmed, his cries roaring even louder, echoing through the campus buildings.
"Murder! The Divine Sacred Family is murdering!"
The shouts rocked with powerful echoes as if they would collapse the academy.
Soon, students were alerted, peering from windows to see what was happening.
They saw six people ganging up on Nie Li, Shen Yue of the Divine Sacred Family watching from behind.
"Isn't that Nie Li?"
"I heard Nie Li offended the Divine Sacred Family!"
"I heard he exposed the Flame Explosion as stolen from another source, so the Divine Sacred Family plans to assassinate him!"
"The Divine Sacred Family's gone too far, killing a student in Saint Orchid Academy!"
"Hurry and tell the dean!"
Students buzzed with opinions.
Many who previously disliked Nie Li found sympathy for him, including some noble scions who were extremely displeased with Shen Yue's actions.
This was Saint Orchid Academy, how could the Divine Sacred Family dare to commit murder here? Such lawlessness!
Glancing at Shen Yue, Nie Li's lips curled in derision.
If Shen Yue wanted to play, he'd need more experience!
Despite being pummeled, Nie Li dodged deftly, letting his Fury Flame Armor absorb the blows.
His stealthy counter punches hit Shen Yue's cronies hard, leaving them bared teeth.
With Nie Li's level, he shouldn't harm these Bronze 1 and 2-star martial artists, yet Nie Li's seemingly light punches hurt more than a club to the head.
"Idiots, are you useless?!" Shen Yue bellowed.
Surrounded by countless onlookers, Shen Yue felt disgraced.
His crew couldn’t beat Nie Li down after such time, while Nie Li's shouting only grew louder.
Nie Li’s cries for help were one thing, but claiming the Divine Sacred Family was murdering was another, thoroughly painting them black, a cunning blow!
Almost driven mad with rage, Shen Yue was stuck with no retreat.
"Hit him! Hard!" Shen Yue roared.
Shen Yue's crew cursed inwardly.
They had been trying, but no matter their hits, Nie Li was still energetic, and they suffered instead.
Nie Li's punches, seemingly light, packed a punch, leaving the cronies bruised.
"What’re you doing?" A sharp voice interjected.
Xiao Ning'er's graceful form swiftly arrived, standing protectively before Nie Li, glaring at Shen Yue and his men.
Gleaming with azure light, she was a Bronze 1-star demon spirit master, a ready Azure Moon Dagger in hand.
"Shen Yue, that's going too far."
Another stern voice joined in.
Ye Ziyun also stepped forth, her stern gaze fixed on Shen Yue.
"Shen Yue, I never thought you'd do such a thing!"
"Nie Li, are you alright?" Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun asked in unison, concern in their eyes directed towards Nie Li.
Seeing Ye Ziyun’s concern for Nie Li, Xiao Ning'er’s expression stiffened, looking away.
Ye Ziyun seemed somewhat shy as well, turning back to glare at Shen Yue.
"Ziyun, it's a misunderstanding, not what you think!" Shen Yue tried to defend, realizing from Nie Li's mocking face that he'd been thoroughly played.
"It's this brat! He deliberately brought us here. He's the one behind this mess!"
"Who do you think you're fooling, Shen Yue?" Xiao Ning'er was outraged.
"What a ridiculous excuse!"
At this, Nie Li stood innocently, righteously condemning Shen Yue, "I admit I offended you, Divine Sacred Family, but this is too much! You think Saint Orchid Academy is somewhere to commit murder? My family isn’t as powerful as yours, but I won’t let you intimidate me. Let's see the extent of your tyranny! I, Nie Li, stand firm and won't bow to bullies!"
Hearing Nie Li's righteous words nearly made Shen Yue spit blood with anger.
Listening to Nie Li's words, Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun couldn't help admiring him.
Xiao Ning'er's admiration deepened.
"I shouldn’t bow to the Divine Sacred Family either," Xiao Ning'er thought, fuming against the family! Forcing her engagement to Shen Fei was already proof of their despicable ways!
(End of Chapter)