Chapter 83: Trouble Knocks on the Door
At the edge of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, where it met the Tagore Desert, the vast, sand swept expanse stretched endlessly before them.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly as he surveyed the landscape. "Yes, we'll cross this desert. First, we'll head to Black Rock City, then pass through Moke City, and finally to Stone Desert City before returning to the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire."
Before Xiao Huai'en could respond, Xiao Tiance had already started walking into the desert. Not wanting to be left behind, Xiao Huai'en hurried to follow.
The Tagore Desert, the largest desert within the Jia Ma Empire's borders, stretched from the eastern Magical Beast Mountain Range to the western Serpent Tribe's territories. Except for cultivators, most people avoided the inhospitable region.
Xiao Tiance chose to walk instead of flying for a simple reason: the harsh desert environment was excellent for training Xiao Huai'en's fire attribute Dou Qi and strengthening his body. To become a powerful cultivator, a robust physique was indispensable.
For three days, they trudged through the scorching heat. By the fourth evening, they arrived at Black Rock City, a bustling hub on the edge of the desert.
Upon entering the city, Xiao Tiance selected a tavern and checked in. After cleaning up, he ordered a meal for himself and Xiao Huai'en.
While Xiao Tiance was unfazed by the journey, Xiao Huai'en had been pushed to his limits. The past three days had been grueling, but the guidance of Xiao Tiance ensured he surpassed his physical thresholds safely. Though he had struggled, Xiao Huai'en was deeply grateful for the care and attention he received.
As they ate, a middle aged man in a third tier alchemist's robe entered the tavern, accompanied by a group of young men and women dressed similarly. The alchemist bore a three star alchemist badge, and his entourage carried themselves with arrogance.
Wherever they walked, the room filled with envious murmurs.
Xiao Tiance, seated by the window, barely glanced their way before returning to his meal, paying them no further attention. Black Rock City housed an alchemist branch, so seeing alchemists here was no surprise.
However, trouble soon came knocking.
The group of alchemists stopped at Xiao Tiance's table. One of the younger men sneered and pointed at him. "Kid, do you not know this is our master's table? Move."
Xiao Tiance glanced at him, then calmly replied, "I didn't know. There's no name on this table, and the owner didn't say we couldn't sit here."
The young man's face darkened. "If you didn't know, then let me enlighten you."
With that, Dou Qi surged from his body as he swung a punch toward Xiao Tiance.
Before the attack landed, the older alchemist grabbed the young man's arm, reprimanding him. "Stop causing a scene! They may not have known. Resolve this peacefully."
"Yes, Master," the young man muttered, retreating reluctantly. However, he quickly adopted a condescending tone, saying, "Boy, you're lucky my master is generous. Now, move to another table before things get unpleasant."
Xiao Tiance's expression remained indifferent as he sipped his wine and continued eating, ignoring the man entirely. Even Xiao Huai'en quietly enjoyed his meal, unfazed.
The young man's face contorted with rage. "You ungrateful "
The older alchemist stepped forward, suppressing his irritation. "I am He Kun of the He Clan, a third tier alchemist registered with the Alchemist Association. Would you kindly move to another table?"
The He Clan was the dominant force in Black Rock City, its power second only to the imperial family, Cloud Mist Sect, and the Three Great Families of the capital. Its current patriarch, He Qian, was a five star Dou Wang, and the clan's reputation was unparalleled locally.
Xiao Tiance gave He Kun a faintly dismissive glance before replying, "He Clan? Never heard of it.
Also, not every cat and dog is qualified to talk about face in front of me. A mere Dou Wang clan and a third tier alchemist dare posture before me?"
The room fell silent as everyone stared in shock.
He Kun's face turned cold as he growled, "Do you not understand the consequences of your words? Careless talk can lead to ruin. Are you declaring yourself an enemy of the He Clan?"
"Tsk, tsk," Xiao Tiance said mockingly. "Not giving up a table is considered enmity? You've truly broadened my horizons. I'll give you one minute to disappear. Otherwise, I'll show you what it means to bite off more than you can chew."
His nonchalance sent a shiver through the crowd.
He Kun hesitated, his instincts warning him. This man was either a fool or someone far beyond the He Clan's reach. Still, retreating without a fight would make him a laughingstock.
Just as He Kun deliberated, one of his disciples, the same young man who spoke earlier, let his anger get the better of him. Ignoring He Kun's warning, he channeled his Dou Qi and lunged at Xiao Tiance with a punch.
Xiao Tiance smirked and waited. To him, the punch moved at a snail's pace.
As the disciple's fist neared his face, Xiao Tiance raised his hand and swatted it away with casual ease.
CRACK!
The young man screamed as the bones in his arm shattered. The force of Xiao Tiance's slap sent him flying across the room.
THUD!
The room fell deathly silent as everyone stared at the fallen disciple, writhing in pain.
This wasn't just any disciple he was a two star Dou Shi, the strongest among He Kun's entourage. And yet, he was defeated with a single slap.
The onlookers gasped in disbelief.
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