Just as he reached the courtyard, Chen Yang caught the rich aroma of a home-cooked meal.

He pushed open the door.

Qin Qiu was sitting by the entrance, propping her chin on her hand and occasionally glancing at the time.

"You're back."

When she saw Chen Yang appear at the doorway, her face instantly brightened. She rose to her feet and walked over to greet him.

Chen Yang smiled, completely enveloped in a feeling of warmth.

This must be what home feels like, right?

"Yeah." Chen Yang nodded. "Xiaomo and Grandpa aren't back yet?"

"Xiaomo called a moment ago. He said there's a long line at the Pill Dragon King's place, so they're going to eat lunch out," Qin Qiu said with a laugh, wrapping her arms around Chen Yang's.

"Alright."

Afterward, Chen Yang told Qin Qiu in detail what had happened in the square.

"How despicable! How could such a person exist?"

Upon hearing the story, Qin Qiu clenched her small fists, feeling his anger as her own. "People like that should get a harsh beating!"

"I did. I hit him quite hard."

"Good! He deserved it!"

Qin Qiu fumed. When it came to hating evil, her passion was no less than Chen Yang's.

Perhaps this was a perfect example of the saying, "birds of a feather flock together."

At the dining table, the two of them sat facing each other.

"Eat up."

Qin Qiu filled Chen Yang's bowl to the brim with food, completely burying the rice underneath.

"If I keep eating like this, it won't be long before I'm a big fatty," Chen Yang chuckled. "You wouldn't despise me then, would you?"

"Hmph."

Qin Qiu put on a look of disdain. "I dislike fat people the most."

Chen Yang was speechless.

"Hehe..."

Seeing Chen Yang's stunned expression, Qin Qiu covered her mouth and giggled. "I'm just teasing you. No matter what you become, I'll still love you."

Chen Yang stared blankly at her, not even blinking.

"What are you looking at?"

Qin Qiu suddenly grew a little shy and subconsciously touched her face. "Is there a flower on my face?"

"Darling, you're more beautiful than any flower."

"Pfft..." Qin Qiu sputtered with laughter. "You and your sweet talk! You're getting better and better at it."

"And you're quite cute yourself."

Chen Yang was speechless again.

I'm a man who's been baptized by the fires of war, a man of iron and steel. How could I possibly be 'cute'? Is that really a compliment?

Then, Chen Yang broke into a foolish smile again.

This kind of life is actually pretty great.

「At the same time.」

An explosive piece of news swept through Cangyun City like a tidal wave.

In an instant, not just the ordinary folk of Cangyun City, but even the upper echelons—the elite, the financial magnates, and the royalty—were all flabbergasted and utterly speechless.

"Qiu Dalong isn't dead? And he's holding a Long Spear, issuing a public challenge to that one?"

"This can't be... did he rise from the dead?"

"It's absolutely true! What I want to know is, who on earth dug this old master up?"

The word "dug" was no exaggeration.

After all, this predecessor, Qiu Dalong, had held the top spot on the Dragon Brilliance List for a full twenty years, starting three decades ago. It wasn't until ten years ago that he requested his name be removed from the list, ending his participation.

He had single-handedly dominated the list for two decades.

During that time, countless people had challenged him, trying to knock him off his throne atop the Dragon Brilliance List, to pluck the ripe peach for themselves and take his place.

The result, however, was always the same: without exception, they were all defeated.

It was even rumored that among all those challengers, not a single one had ever lasted more than five moves against him.

His combat strength was so formidable it struck fear into the hearts of countless people.

Ten years ago, Qiu Dalong was already of a venerable age.

In the years since, there had been no news of him whatsoever. Coupled with his age, most people assumed that this legendary figure, who had once overshadowed his entire generation in a blaze of glory, had finally reached the end of his road.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

No one had ever imagined that today, a decade later, he would reappear.

At such a turbulent time, why had this great figure come out of his seclusion? Was it for himself, or was he championing someone else's cause?

And was his target also that same person?

One question after another baffled the public.

But soon, an answer came.

*I heard you single-handedly defeated the entire Dragon Brilliance List. March 28th. Chilian Peak. I will fight you.*

Despite his advanced age, he was still a legendary figure of a past era. His decisive and resolute style was truly breathtaking.

From the moment the news of his return spread to the issuance of this public challenge, barely a quarter of an hour had passed.

The letter of challenge was not signed.

But everyone knew it was aimed at the Zhennan Prince.

Or, to be more precise, the former Zhennan Prince.

For this to happen right after his resignation was truly intriguing.

With twenty days to go, just as everyone was still hotly debating who Qiu Dalong was fighting for, another piece of news suddenly dropped.

*Our Martial Association has concluded its one-month retreat. We are expediting the establishment of branch offices in all locations. We hope everyone will choose their nearest branch and sign up enthusiastically.*

Not long ago, after its high-ranking members were repeatedly killed by Chen Yang, the Martial Association had chosen to scale back its forces. It announced that all members of Rank Five and above were to return to the Cangyun City headquarters for a retreat.

During that time, the Martial Association had fallen completely silent.

No one had anticipated that the Association would emerge from its retreat so suddenly. And wasn't the timing just a little too convenient?

Instantly, all sorts of rumors and speculation flew wildly.

But for a select few, everything was proceeding according to plan.

…

In the courtyard, Chen Yang was lounging on a wicker chair, basking in the sun. Qin Qiu, curled up on his lap like a little kitten, put down her phone.

"Are you... are you going to fight again?" she asked.

"Don't worry."

Chen Yang's fingers gently combed through her dark hair. "As long as you—"

Before he could finish, Qin Qiu pressed her hand over his mouth, a smile playing on her lips. "I don't want you to change too much for me. Besides..."

She continued, "I've heard the scenery at Chilian Peak is beautiful, especially in the spring. Can you take me to see it?"

Chen Yang leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Alright, I'll take you."

With a beauty like this by my side, what more could a man ask for?

"Mhm."

Qin Qiu nodded vigorously, then sat up straight and handed a business card to Chen Yang. "But before that, I need you to beat up a few more people for me."

She then explained, in full detail, Guo Yang's visit and the demands he had made.

"That guy acts like he's the Almighty Heavenly King! It's infuriating!" she finished.

"Wait for me at home."

Chen Yang gave her head an affectionate ruffle, then stood up and walked away.

Once in the car, Chen Yang's eyes turned icy. As he drove toward the address on the business card, he dialed the number on it.

When the call connected, he said flatly, "You don't have to wait until seven tonight. I'm coming over now. I hope you're ready for me."

CLICK.

Without waiting for a response, Chen Yang hung up the phone.

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