Chapter 8: She’s My Woman, I’ll Protect Her
Dongcheng Street, the busiest street in Cangzhou City, was bustling with people. Not only was it home to the local branch of the Immortal Alliance, but it also housed many weapon shops, taverns, and auction houses that catered exclusively to cultivators…
Yun Zhonghe’s car was already stuck at the street entrance, so he had to walk in. When he finally arrived at the Immortal Alliance branch, he found himself surrounded by a crowd.
Most of them were like spectators at a carnival, eagerly watching as someone challenged an Immortal Alliance member—an incredibly rare event. They didn’t mind being there to watch the entertainment.
Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but think, “It seems like humans from any world love a good crowd scene.”
“But this part of the story wasn’t in the game. Could it be because I changed something and caused an entirely new plot twist?”
He pondered over his previous game experience, yet couldn’t recall a similar event or path.
“Excuse me, could you please move aside?”
As Yun Zhonghe surveyed the crowd, he heard a cute but anxious voice behind him.
That voice was incredibly pleasant, striking right at Yun Zhonghe’s heart, reminding him of his favorite voice actor, Kogane Wari. Even without seeing the owner, Yun Zhonghe was certain this was a very adorable loli.
Sure enough, as he followed the sound, a striking figure caught his attention—a dazzling white figure that belonged to none other than Huang Aotian and Mu Jixue!
She was so adorable, like a porcelain doll, even more exquisite than in-game CGs. And because she was moving, she seemed even more lively.
No wonder Huang Aotian attracted countless beautiful girls in the game; her cuteness could melt anyone’s heart.
Mu Jixue was very petite, standing about 1.5 meters tall—a perfect blend of loli and young lady. But her proportions were perfect.
Her most eye-catching feature was her pair of legs wrapped in white stockings. They looked like creamy ice cream—surely full of milk flavor. It made Yun Zhonghe imagine the classic line, “I could play with her for a year.”
Seriously, why do fantasy worlds have white stockings? Oh well, as long as they look good.
This was Yun Zhonghe’s first encounter with Huang Aotian, and with Huang Aotian and Mu Jixue. However, the latter was too eager to get through the crowd, and thus didn’t notice Yun Zhonghe.
Her purple eyes were glued to the center of the crowd.
Surrounded by the crowd, two girls faced off, their tension palpable like clashing swords.
The black-haired girl with twin tails was none other than Lin Zhongyu.
“Little Yu…”
Mu Jixue watched Lin Zhongyu’s back and couldn’t help but mutter worriedly.
She had just learned about Lin Zhongyu’s fight and had rushed over hastily, but arrived too late.
Facing off against an Immortal Alliance member was not exactly smart.
Everyone in the Alliance was skilled. In a remote city like Cangzhou, anyone in the Alliance uniform was a minimum at the Foundation Establishment stage.
And Lin Zhongyu had only reached Level 5 of the Qi Refinement stage. She couldn’t possibly stand up to them.
There must be a reason. Based on her understanding, Lin Zhongyu wouldn’t willingly accept such a challenge.
Mu Jixue clenched her fists, nervous and desperate to stop the fight.
But since both parties had signed a duel contract, no one could interfere. The Alliance had strict laws to maintain order and give cultivators a platform to settle disputes.
After all, in the realm of cultivation, might often makes right.
“Young Master, this Miss Lin is indeed foolish. Accepting a duel regardless of winning or losing would be detrimental. Offending the Immortal Alliance never ends well.”
On the other side, Tao Jiu’er beside Yun Zhonghe shook her head, seemingly finding Lin Zhongyu irrational.
Yun Zhonghe nodded. From what he gathered, someone in the Alliance had deliberately provoked Lin Zhongyu, leaving her no choice but to accept the duel.
Even though Yun Zhonghe had connections, it wasn’t a good time to intervene.
“This isn’t in the game storyline, but based on typical game plots, Lin Zhongyu will likely lose, and then Huang Aotian will show off and save the day,” Yun Zhonghe deduced, trying to predict the story’s direction.
However, he regretted it, realizing today he had to step up and seize the opportunity to win favor with the main characters.
Besides, a buddy’s girlfriend deserved his protection!
…
“Haha, Miss Foolish, you still have a chance to repent. Just kneel down and apologize, and I won’t hold it against you. As if nothing happened.”
In the middle of the crowd, the Alliance manager looked down her nose at Lin Zhongyu, enjoying the moment.
Though she hadn’t expected Lin Zhongyu to actually accept her challenge.
It seemed she had pushed the poor girl far enough.
The manager, however, was quite arrogant. Being part of the Alliance, she felt superior and looked down upon these local cultivators, especially someone as lowly as Lin Zhongyu.
Worthless trash was still worthless. So what if she humiliated her?
But Lin Zhongyu stared right back at the manager without flinching, biting her lip with a determined expression.
Earlier, she came to the Alliance to collect aid dantians. Instead, she faced this woman’s ridicule.
The Alliance was distributing dantians to all cultivators above the Foundation Establishment stage. Lin Zhongyu, having regained her abilities and awakened the Golden Emperor Sacred Eyes, wanted to catch up on lost time.
Yet the manager refused to issue her the aid, citing a lack of Foundation Establishment strength.
The Alliance had no rule preventing those who lost cultivation from receiving aid. Still, in enemy territory, Lin Zhongyu simply endured and decided to keep a low profile.
But this manager escalated matters further, demanding she return all previously received aid or forfeit Mu Jixue’s. Obviously, as family, one member’s debts fell on the others.
Lin Zhongyu’s rage ignited instantly. She could handle verbal ab*se, but not when it involved Mu Jixue.
This couldn’t go on.
The manager laughed at Lin Zhongyu’s question and tossed a duel contract: “Prove your Foundation Establishment strength, and I’ll give you the dantian. Are you brave enough to sign?”
And thus the conflict began.
Unwilling to drag down Mu Jixue, Lin Zhongyu noticed Mu Jixue’s concerned face and grew even more resolute.
With blazing golden eyes, Lin Zhongyu fixed her gaze on the manager: “I’d like to see how formidable your Foundation Establishment strength truly is.”
The manager’s face went cold instantly, making the atmosphere tense.
“You’re asking for it!”
Enraged, the manager swiftly raised her hand, conjuring a fire snake that spiraled towards Lin Zhongyu, ready to strike.
