Chapter 62: He Is My Boyfriend!

"Do not act recklessly."

The elder's commanding presence surged forth, intent on stopping the seventh brother from his rash action.

But before he could intervene, Ling Qiu's figure suddenly flickered like a phantom. In a swift movement, he appeared directly in front of the seventh brother.

Bang!

With a sideways kick, the seventh brother felt as if a thousand-pound cauldron had crashed into his abdomen.

Thud!

He was sent flying, rolling across the ground before struggling to his feet, a bitter taste rising in his throat as he retched.

His abdomen twisted in agony, his face drained of color as he gasped for breath.

"What's this?!"

Everyone was stunned.

So fast!

Unbelievably so!

And the force behind it was terrifying.

The seventh brother had a protective aura—ordinary people couldn't break through his defense, let alone send him flying and vomiting.

Yet Ling Qiu had done it!

More astonishingly, he'd struck before the old man could intervene.

"Who are you?!"

The brothers—cough, the Yuan brothers—rushed to support their fallen sibling, looking at Ling Qiu with wary hostility.

Yuan Dudu stood frozen, her gaze filled with shock and wonder as she stared at Ling Qiu.

Everyone understood—

With such skill, Ling Qiu was undoubtedly a master of the breath arts.

And his strength was extraordinary.

Ling Qiu spoke calmly, "I have no obligation to answer you. I ask only: is there anyone else who wishes to challenge me?"

"Foolish!"

The Yuan brothers erupted in anger, advancing to confront Ling Qiu.

"Stand down!"

At that moment, the old Yuan spoke in a low voice.

The brothers halted.

Ling Qiu gave a slight smile. "Old sir, do you wish to take matters into your own hands?—That would suit me perfectly."

Clearly, the old man was the strongest among the Yuan family.

Since the fight had begun, Ling Qiu intended to indulge himself.

"No, young sir, you misunderstand," the old man replied, his tone now much more respectful. He clasped his hands in a traditional gesture. "It is my fault for failing to discipline my juniors. May I know your name?"

"Ling Qiu."

Ling Qiu was not a battle maniac; whether to fight or not was a matter of principle—he saw no reason to strike against a friendly face.

"Ling Qiu?"

The old man pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Ling Wind, transcending the mundane, enduring through the ages! An excellent name!"

Ling Qiu couldn't help but laugh. "Old man, you needn't flatter me at your age."

Seeing through him at a glance, the old Yuan burst out laughing.

Yuan Dudu, fuming, marched over. "You...you dare say my grandfather is flattering you?!"

"Dudu, mind your manners," the old man gently waved his hand. "This Ling Qiu is a genuine martial master!"

What?!

His words shocked everyone present.

A genuine martial master?!

No...is that possible?!

This ordinary-looking, youthful man—was a genuine martial master?

Though it seemed unbelievable, they could not doubt the old man's words.

A genuine martial master was an absolute powerhouse.

In the martial world of Huaxia, there were five grand realms: Lesser Martial, Greater Martial, True Martial, Ancient Martial, and Primordial Martial.

Each realm was divided into early, middle, late, and peak stages.

Even the old Yuan, a titan of the martial arts world, had only attained the True Martial realm at the end of last year.

He had spent most of his life striving for this achievement.

This young man—

How could he reach such heights at his age?

Yuan Dudu stood dumbstruck.

Impossible!

Was he really that strong?

When she'd seen Ling Qiu fight in the alley, she had guessed he was merely at the late stage of Lesser Martial.

She hadn't expected—

His strength was terrifying!

Yuan Dudu was the family's prodigy; from childhood, she possessed extraordinary talent in martial cultivation, entering the Lesser Martial realm at eight, and in just four years, reaching the early stage of Greater Martial.

She was only twelve!

Countless hidden masters in Huaxia had vied to take her as a disciple, but the old man refused them all.

It was well known that at this rate, Yuan Dudu might reach True Martial before the age of twenty-five.

Such martial genius appeared only once or twice in a century.

Yuan Dudu's confidence had always been sky-high.

But now—

She suddenly felt shaken to her core.

Ling Qiu looked to be eighteen or nineteen—

But he was already a True Martial master!

"I refuse to accept this!"

Suddenly, Yuan Dudu released her own aura, a powerful wave surging from her.

Oh?

Ling Qiu's eyes narrowed.

Indeed, this girl possessed some ability.

Yet—

Ling Qiu was once again surprised as he sensed Yuan Dudu's aura.

Why?

That feeling from before had returned.

Yuan Dudu seemed to carry the aura of the Ten Lords of Yama.

But—

His Yama Ring remained entirely inert.

Buzz!

Suddenly, a tremor of energy.

The old man grabbed Yuan Dudu by her collar, and slapped her back, dispersing her aura completely.

"Let me go, Grandpa! I want to fight him!"

Yuan Dudu was lifted up and struggled fiercely, determined to confront Ling Qiu.

"My apologies, Mr. Ling, please excuse us."

Ling Qiu said nothing, stepping forward and raising a hand as if to place it on Yuan Dudu's forehead.

Hmm?!

Seeing this, the old man's expression changed.

He hurried to shield Yuan Dudu, uncertain of Ling Qiu's intentions.

Yet—

Once again, Ling Qiu vanished like a shadow before his eyes.

His speed remained astonishing!

The old man felt a deep sense of defeat.

Although he suspected Ling Qiu was a True Martial master like himself, this speed and prowess were far beyond his own.

When he turned, Ling Qiu's palm was already resting on Yuan Dudu's forehead.

Yuan Dudu—

Seemed frozen, unable to resist.

Buzz, buzz!

Ling Qiu channeled his breath through the Yama Ring, swiftly probing Yuan Dudu's body. After only two seconds, his expression brightened.

A golden glow—though faint and thin!

But—he was certain!

Within Yuan Dudu's body—

There was indeed a hidden power of the Ten Lords of Yama!

Yuan Dudu, like Song Ningsnow—

Both possessed the "Ten Lords Exquisite Physique"!

"Yuan Dudu's name contains 'Du'... Could it be that she bears the spiritual lineage of the City King, one of the Ten Lords?"