Chapter 311

The sudden surge of spiritual pressure in the air froze Ling Jiuzé in place.

This level of oppressive force was unmatched in all of Emberfall City.

Only a legendary Golden Core cultivator could wield such power...

Impossible!

How could a young man reach such heights?

Yet the churning of his blood didn't lie—he was truly immobilized under this crushing weight.

Ling Jiuzé gritted his teeth, forcing his spiritual energy to resist. His eyes burned with disbelief as he glared at Thunderblade.

The air between them seemed to solidify.

Ling Jiuan sensed the tension but couldn't grasp its source.

Beads of sweat formed on Ling Jiuzé's forehead, his face growing paler by the second.

Thunderblade remained unfazed, not even a ripple disturbing his robes.

Just as Ling Jiuan opened her mouth to speak, a delicate fragrance drifted through the air.

The servants snapped out of their daze, bowing in unison. "Madame Lan."

Ling Jiuan turned to see an elegant noblewoman gliding toward them.

"My dear fifth daughter has finally returned." The woman's smile was warm as she descended the steps.

Thunderblade's gaze flickered, the oppressive aura vanishing instantly.

Ling Jiuzé exhaled sharply, his flexible sword clattering to the ground.

Madame Lan's eyes gleamed as she clasped Ling Jiuan's hands. "How I've missed you all these years, my dear."

Ling Jiuan subtly withdrew her hands. "Your concern is appreciated, Aunt Lan."

"Mother, look at her arrogance!" Ling Jiuzé snatched up his sword, scowling. "Winning one match by luck doesn't make her special!"

"Silence!" Madame Lan chided lightly. "Your sister triumphed in the arena despite lacking spiritual roots. Such perseverance deserves praise."

Ling Jiuan smirked inwardly.

Her stepmother's acting far surpassed her children's.

With a final glare, Ling Jiuzé stormed off.

Madame Lan turned to Thunderblade with feigned surprise. "And this gentleman is—"

"My master, Thunderblade." Ling Jiuan cut her off, tugging him away without ceremony.

Behind them, Old Nanny Liu's whining voice rose. "Madame, the fifth young lady—"

"Hold your tongue! Masters disciplining servants is only natural!" Madame Lan snapped.

Ling Jiuan didn't pause or glance back.

"Your stepmother seems protective," Thunderblade remarked.

"False kindness," Ling Jiuan scoffed. "If she truly cared, would she let servants withhold my allowances?"

A glint of approval flashed in Thunderblade's eyes. "Not as foolish as you appear."

"What's that supposed to mean?" She glared. "That was a temporary act. Don't actually think you're my master now."

"Commit to the role once taken." He strode ahead into the courtyard. "Remember to address me properly before others."

Ling Jiuan froze.

The icy Thunderblade from their first meeting was now joking with her?

Her eyes lifted to the gate's plaque. "'Jiuan Pavilion'? How unimaginative."

In Cloudwater Manor, Ling Jiuzé seethed. "Why tolerate her insolence, Mother? That wretch has no respect!"

Madame Lan stroked the spirit rabbit in her lap. "She just brought honor to our family. Acting now would be unwise."

"Father's only putting on a show!" Ling Jiuzé spat. "Once the mystic realm expedition ends—"

"You couldn't even handle the man beside her." With a flick of her wrist, the rabbit yelped as it hit a pillar. "Anyone who trained a body-refining ninth-stage Ling Jiuan is no simple figure."

Ling Jiuzé's expression darkened. "You're suggesting..."

"Fetch your sister." Madame Lan's eyes narrowed. "This requires... careful planning."