Chapter 48: The Qiu Family's Eldest Daughter

On the high seat in the main hall, Autumn South raised his cup.

“Brother Lin, let me first offer you a toast. This time, it was thanks to your noble assistance that my niece did not fall into danger... Allow me to drink first in your honor.” With these words, Autumn South drained his cup in one gulp.

Seated below in the hall were only An'an, Uncle Fu, and Lin Cheng; the rest had been arranged in the side halls for entertainment.

Seeing this, Lin Cheng responded humbly, “City Lord Autumn overpraises me. Even without my presence, I believe Miss An'an and the others would have found their own way out of peril…”

Autumn South waved his hand dismissively and said with hearty cheer, “If you do not mind, Brother Lin, you may simply call me Brother Autumn…”

Before Lin Cheng could reply, An'an jumped up, “How can that be? If that's the case, wouldn't my rank be lower than his? What should I call him then…?”

Autumn South, sitting upright above, laughed, “That depends on what you wish to call him, my dear niece... It doesn’t matter, we’ll address each other as we please, there’s no conflict.”

Hearing this, An'an’s cheeks flushed, and she stomped her foot, stealing a glance at Lin Cheng before quickly turning her head away.

Uncle Fu, observing the scene, could hardly fail to notice the young girl’s feelings. Stroking his beard and shaking his head, he smiled gently, casting another thoughtful look at Lin Cheng.

In truth, Uncle Fu was rather pleased by the prospect. Lin Cheng, so young and already possessing unfathomable cultivation—if he were to join the An family…

The thought made him smile even more.

Lin Cheng, oblivious to everyone’s thoughts, was only bewildered—why was the girl suddenly angry again?

After a hearty meal and free-flowing conversation, Autumn South wiped the wine from his lips, set down his cup, and hesitated, “May I ask, Brother Lin, where did you train? Are you by chance from the mountain?”

Lin Cheng considered for a moment, deciding not to reveal his identity as a disciple of Azure Sun Sect. He replied, “While wandering, I was fortunate enough to be noticed by a Taoist in the mountains, who taught me some rudimentary skills. Now, I have gained a little achievement…”

Sensing Lin Cheng’s reluctance to elaborate, Autumn South changed the subject, “Would you consider settling in Autumn Bright permanently?”

Lin Cheng replied, “Autumn Bright is indeed enchanting, but I am accustomed to a carefree life; I wish to see more of the world while I still can…”

Hearing this, An'an was immediately downcast, and Autumn South sighed in regret.

Lin Cheng continued, “There is something I wish to ask, though I’m not sure if it is appropriate…”

Autumn South said, “Please, speak freely.”

Lin Cheng asked, “Where might one purchase a Spirit-Breaking Pill? To be honest, I would like to acquire one myself…”

Autumn South raised his eyebrows, scrutinizing Lin Cheng, “Could it be that you have already reached the threshold of the Spirit Realm? At your age, it is truly incredible…”

At these words, both An'an and Uncle Fu turned their gaze upon Lin Cheng, as if attempting to see through him entirely.

An'an exclaimed, “Are you a True Qi master? So young, and already a True Qi master… How did you train?”

---

With everyone staring at him, Lin Cheng felt awkward, rubbed his nose, and replied, “Well… it just sort of happened…”

“Haha… With your talent, even among the Three Sects you would be exceptional. Why wander about at all…” Now knowing that Lin Cheng was a True Qi master, Autumn South regarded him as an equal.

He himself had practiced for decades and just barely approached the Spirit Realm, while the youth before him was only in his teens.

Lin Cheng gave a bitter smile, “I’m used to roaming the world, seeking freedom above all. As for the great path, I let things take their course…”

Hearing this, Autumn South grew wistful.

Once, he too had wanted to see the world, but the ties of fame and family forced him to remain in Autumn Bright City.

An'an excitedly leapt in front of Lin Cheng, her eyes sparkling, “Lin Cheng, you are amazing… I don’t care, you must teach me immortal arts and make me as powerful as you… please…”

“Shameless…”

A voice rang out from outside the hall.

Moments later, a splendid figure glided in, clad in a deep green gown adorned with tiny glass beads that softly trailed along the floor. Her two arms, soft and fair as jade, were exposed to the air. Her gaze flickered with a hint of pride.

Seeing her, An'an immediately put her hands on her hips and stepped forward, “Autumn Yingying, you are still as annoying as ever…”

Above, Autumn South watched the scene and put a hand to his forehead, feeling a headache.

The girl named Autumn Yingying snorted, her eyes flashing as she bypassed An'an and approached Lin Cheng.

“I am Autumn Yingying. Autumn South is my father. You must be the young hero Lin Cheng, right?” She smiled at him without a hint of shyness.

Lin Cheng was taken aback—what was happening?

He rubbed his nose, “I am Lin Cheng. Um… could you not call me a ‘young’ hero?”

Autumn Yingying seemed to understand, curling her lips into a sly smile.

Ahem.

Autumn South coughed lightly and spoke sternly, “Yingying, guests must be treated with courtesy. How can you be so rude…”

She stuck out her tongue at her father and then walked over to An'an, “I heard you’ve broken through to the fifth level of the True Qi Realm? That’s impressive progress…”

An'an lifted her head proudly, “Of course, much better than a certain someone…”

“You…” Autumn Yingying glared at An'an in frustration.

“Oh, someone’s angry now, ready to bite…” Seeing Autumn Yingying’s gritted teeth, An'an fanned the flames.

“An'an, I challenge you to a duel!” Autumn Yingying declared angrily.

---

“Bring it on, I’m not afraid… Don’t cry when you lose,” An'an replied.

Seeing the two about to fight, the others could only shake their heads and smile, following them outside.

In front of the main hall, on a broad granite plaza.

The two girls were already exchanging shouts, their attacks swift yet not truly dangerous.

Lin Cheng glanced at Autumn Yingying, who was fighting An'an. She seemed to be at the fourth level of the True Qi Realm—a remarkable achievement for her age, in his view.

“Brother Autumn, with daughters like yours and Miss An'an, they would have no trouble entering the Three Sects. Why…?” Lin Cheng withdrew his gaze and asked.

Autumn South replied, “Actually, when my daughter first showed signs of a wood affinity, an immortal from the Purple Sun Sect invited her to take the entrance exam. Sadly, she was young and did not pass… After her failure, Yingying devoted herself to cultivation, determined to reach the Dao even without joining a sect…”

“As for my niece An'an… Ever since her elder brother went missing, her father could not bear to let his daughter travel far from home…”

“Another reason is that none of the younger generation in the An family are promising; only An'an stands out among her peers…”

Lin Cheng nodded thoughtfully.

“Earlier, in their playful exchange, I forgot to answer your question, Brother Lin. Are you in urgent need of the Spirit-Breaking Pill? If so…”

He paused to consider.

Autumn South took out the wooden box containing the Spirit-Breaking Pill.

“Brother Lin, I’ve thought long and hard about how to thank you for saving my niece, but I have nothing worthy to offer…”

“This pill would not have come into my hands without your help. Let me give it to you as a token of my gratitude—please accept it…” Autumn South said sincerely.

Lin Cheng hurriedly waved his hand.

He shook his head, “Brother Autumn, do you take me for a greedy man? I saved Miss An'an because I genuinely care for her. In that situation, anyone capable would have helped.”

He pushed the box back toward Autumn South and said again, “I cannot accept this pill…”

“I imagine you spent a lifetime’s savings to acquire it…”

“If I take it… I couldn’t face myself. Besides, even without the Spirit-Breaking Pill, I can still break through the barrier…”