Emperor Qiankun

Chapter 392 Recruiting the Guardian Lock

At this moment.

The tranquility within the artificial hill was broken by a deep, steady voice; Jing Yichun's voice drifted over:

"Young friend Li, please come in."

The voice seemed to possess an invisible magic, piercing through layers of clouds and clearly reaching Li Qingyuan's ears.

Li Qingyuan followed the sound and walked steadily into a room.

The interior is simply yet elegantly furnished, filled with a faint sandalwood scent that instantly brings a sense of tranquility.

Jing Yichun was sitting upright on the bed, his posture as straight as a pine tree, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance.

Upon seeing him enter, Jing Yichun slowly opened her eyes, her gaze deep and bright, as if she could see into the depths of a person's heart.

He spoke slightly, his voice gentle yet firm:

"Young friend Li, what brings you to this old man's place?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qingyuan's expression turned solemn. He immediately stepped forward and respectfully performed a deep bow, his body bent like a fully drawn bow.

After the ceremony, he straightened his back and said in a clear voice:

"How fortunate I am to have been awarded the title of 'King of Lights' in your esteemed building."

"However, there are always some unscrupulous individuals in this world who harbor ill intentions, plotting to kill and steal treasures, their greedy eyes fixed on this junior..."

"Later, the Yu family members, relying on their family's power, bullied others and acted recklessly, completely disregarding the rules."

"Fortunately, the senior was insightful and discerning, and spoke up for the younger generation to uphold justice and resolve this dispute."

"Your great kindness and virtue will be forever etched in my memory..."

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Jing Yichun listened calmly to Li Qingyuan's words, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his deep old eyes from time to time.

He secretly admired it:

This kid's actions were indeed watertight; his words subtly satirized the Yu family's despicable behavior while also praising himself without making a sound.

Although this kid is suspected of dragging me into this mess;

But from these words, one can also see that he is a meticulous, courageous, and resourceful person who will surely achieve great things in the future. I was right after all.

Thinking of this, Jing Yichun's eyes unconsciously revealed a sense of approval.

After Li Qingyuan finished speaking, Jing Yichun waved his hand at the opportune moment and solemnly warned him:

"Nothing in this world can escape the two words: cause and effect."

"Now that you have obtained the Lantern King, you have an inextricable connection with my Mandarin Duck Tower."

"It is only natural for me to offer my help; it is nothing more than a great favor."

"Moreover, I enjoy making friends with heroes from all over the world, but I just think highly of you."

"But you still need to keep a close eye on the Yu family's actions. They have always been narrow-minded and vindictive, and they will definitely not let this go easily!"

"However, if you choose to join my Mandarin Duck Tower, then you will be one of us."

"Then... all the grudges between you and the Yu family will be swept away and cleared away."

"From then on, we were all one family, and naturally, no more trouble would come knocking on our door."

After speaking, Jing Yichun looked calmly at Li Qingyuan, her eyes filled with anticipation, wanting to see what choice he would make.

In truth, he very much hoped that Li Qingyuan could join Yuanyang Tower.

After all, this young man has unlimited potential and possibilities, and he has high hopes for him.

........

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Qingyuan immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said with a firm and sincere expression:

"I am grateful for your kindness, senior. I appreciate your sentiments."

"But I have always longed for a free and unrestrained life since I was a child, and I dislike being subject to any constraints. I am afraid I will find it difficult to adapt to the rules of Yuanyang Tower."

"I hope you won't take offense, senior."

"But as the senior said, now that I have obtained the Lantern King, I have a deep connection with the Mandarin Duck Tower."

"If the Mandarin Duck Tower is ever in trouble in the future, I will certainly do my best to help and repay your kindness."

"Hehe~ It's alright."

Jing Yichun's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a kind and gentle smile that appeared warm and approachable.

"It's a good thing that young people like freedom..."

"Back in my youth, I also traveled the world with a group of like-minded friends..."

"That was truly a passionate and unrestrained time... I understand your yearning for freedom."

"However, since you have been so frank, I will give you something as a small token of our good fortune."

As he spoke, he slowly raised his right hand and gently took out a small, yellow, lock-shaped object from his spatial ring.

The small lock had an antique design and emitted a faint halo, as if it contained a mysterious power.

The lock body is engraved with some small and delicate patterns, which look like some kind of ancient runes, and faintly shimmer with light.

Li Qingyuan respectfully accepted the small lock with both hands.

........

Then Jing Yichun slowly spoke:

"This treasure is called the 'Guardian Lock,' which I carefully crafted many years ago."

"Although it is small, it contains powerful defensive capabilities and can withstand three full-force attacks from a low-level Emperor Heaven Realm cultivator."

"Even with power as overwhelming as a tidal wave, it was still difficult to budge this small lock in the slightest."

"As for cultivators below the Emperor Realm, this small lock can probably hold them off for several hours without any problem."

"During this period, your life can be temporarily spared, giving you enough time to find a way to escape."

As he spoke, Jing Yichun took out a communication jade slip from his robes. The jade slip shimmered with a soft light, and he continued:

"Let's leave our mark on this communication jade slip. If you ever encounter a life-or-death situation in the future, you can send a message to me for help."

"But you know the price..."

"There is no such thing as help without a reason in this world. If you wish for my help, you may have a deeper connection with Yuanyang Tower in the future."

Upon hearing this, Li Qingyuan's expression turned solemn. He immediately took another step forward and respectfully performed a deep bow, bending his body very low to show his utmost respect.

He didn't mince words and readily accepted the small lock.

After all, this is a life-saving item. In this perilous Central Plains, more protection means more chances of survival.

As for the price Jing Yichun mentioned, he was well aware of it: he had to join Yuanyang Tower at a crucial moment.

Otherwise, Jing Yichun would have no reason to intervene and save his life.

He understood the stakes involved perfectly well.

........

After the two exchanged the markings on the communication jade slips, Jing Yichun slowly closed her eyes again.

His expression was serene and peaceful, as if all the disturbances of the outside world were irrelevant to him.

Seeing this, Li Qingyuan knew that it was inappropriate for her to continue bothering him.

He bowed slightly and said softly:

"Take care, senior. I'll take my leave now."

After saying that, he took steady and powerful steps and quickly left the artificial hill, heading towards the outside of the Mandarin Duck Tower.

After Li Qingyuan left, Jing Yichun sat there quietly, her gaze slowly turning in the direction he had gone, her eyes filled with a hint of contemplation and anticipation.

He murmured to himself:

"This young man is far too mature and worldly-wise; he doesn't seem like a young man should be..."

"I wonder what he has been through to be so calm and wise at such a young age."

"But only such people are less likely to perish in this cruel world of cultivation, and can thrive in the baptism of wind and rain."

"I hope I haven't misjudged the situation this time, and that I can forge a positive connection for the Mandarin Duck Tower..."

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After Li Qingyuan strode away from Yuanyang Tower, he did not immediately return to the restaurant to rest.

As soon as he stepped out of the gate of the Mandarin Duck Tower, a pretty woman dressed as a maid hurriedly came looking for him.

The woman moved gracefully to Li Qingyuan's side, bowed slightly, and whispered to him:

Upon hearing of his departure, Pei Ziyan felt a desire to communicate with him and wanted to meet him for a long talk.

Upon hearing this, Li Qingyuan was filled with doubt, wondering what Pei Ziyan's purpose was.

But he was not a coward, and driven by curiosity, he wanted to see what Pei Ziyan was up to, so he readily agreed and followed the maid.

They walked through bustling streets and alleys, and around ancient buildings...

Finally, we arrived at a unique house!

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