Nine Nether Dragon Emperor

RUMBLE—

The sudden tremor ahead shattered the tranquility of the world.

Soon, Ning Xuan and Shangguan Qingrou saw dust rising in the distance. Several gigantic beasts appeared, their oppressive presence palpable even from a great distance. However, the beasts suddenly stopped in unison. Then, an extremely luxurious carriage made its way toward them. On the carriage curtain, Ning Xuan saw the large character for "Sun."

"Looks like the bridegroom's party is here," Ning Xuan joked, nudging Shangguan Qingrou with his shoulder.

"Oh, get out of here!" Shangguan Qingrou slapped at him without a second thought, her eyes flashing with mock anger.

Just then, someone lifted the carriage curtain and climbed out, their smile instantly freezing.

"His name is Sun Yu, and he's extremely narrow-minded. Quite a few people have died at his hands because of me! Don't start a conflict with him."

After warning Ning Xuan, Shangguan Qingrou stepped forward and called out with a smile from a distance, "Brother Sun Yu, what brings you here?"

With his hands behind his back, Sun Yu tapped the ground with his toe and glided low for several miles, landing gracefully near Shangguan Qingrou. He glanced at Ning Xuan and then directly asked her, "Is this the man you found by throwing the embroidered ball?"

Shangguan Qingrou's expression faltered, but she quickly recovered. "Yes. However, he's an old acquaintance of Princess Jiang Chan. After being accustomed to a celestial beauty like her, how could he possibly take a fancy to a plain woman like me?"

Sun Yu's expression changed, and he immediately lowered the hands he had clasped behind his back.

Ning Xuan looked at Shangguan Qingrou, a little surprised. I thought she was going to use me as a shield.

He immediately returned the favor, stepping forward. "Qing Rou, don't belittle yourself. You're very beautiful."

Sun Yu's pupils shrank.

Delight flashed in Shangguan Qingrou's lovely eyes, but after glancing at Sun Yu's sullen face, she said, "Big Brother Ning, you really know how to comfort people." Then, she introduced him to Sun Yu. "Brother Sun Yu, this is my newly acknowledged sworn brother, Ning Xuan."

As for Sun Yu, she didn't even bother to introduce him to Ning Xuan.

Sun Yu's expression shifted instantly. "So, you're Qing Rou's big brother! Uncle Hong and Aunt Qing have always wanted a son. Their wish has finally come true!" He followed Shangguan Qingrou's lead, calling out, "Big Brother Ning, are you on your way to the Jiang Family?"

"There's no rush. Qing Rou and I will first pay a visit to Uncle Sun."

Sun Yu was stunned for a moment, then clapped his hands. The carriage immediately drove over, and he personally stepped up to draw the curtain aside.

"Big Brother Ning, let's go." As she spoke, Shangguan Qingrou grabbed Ning Xuan's arm.

This wasn't her own idea; Ning Xuan had just secretly sent her a mental message, telling her to do whatever she wanted. He had also revealed a little about his own battle record.

I only agreed to go to the Sun Family to bait a trap. With her acting like this, what the hell am I supposed to catch? I'll definitely come up empty-handed! This isn't the result I wanted.

As Shangguan Qingrou pulled Ning Xuan into the carriage, Sun Yu's face contorted with fury, his jaw clenched so tightly he nearly shattered his molars. His lips began to move as he sent a mental message to an unknown party.

A moment later, he ducked inside as well. The sight that greeted him almost made him faint from rage. Shangguan Qingrou was serving fruit to Ning Xuan, and the two acted as if no one else was there. In the spacious carriage, it felt as if there was no room left for him. Seething, he immediately flung the curtain open and stormed out. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to stop himself from attacking.

The carriage trundled slowly toward Realm Capital, each moment an eternity for Sun Yu. Finally, a mental message sounded in his ear: "Third Young Master, my men have sent back news. Someone close to Princess Jiang Chan says they've never heard the little princess mention anyone named Ning Xuan."

"Good, I understand!" Sun Yu replied. He then roared at the carriage, "Ning Xuan, get the hell out here!"

There was no response. Without a second thought, Sun Yu thrust a clawed hand inside.

BANG!

With an explosive crash, the carriage compartment shattered into pieces.

Sun Yu looked forward, practically bursting with rage. He saw Shangguan Qingrou glaring at him, her beautiful face livid. And that Ning Xuan was still sitting behind her, completely motionless!

"Qing Rou, you're actually attacking me for an outsider?!" Sun Yu was beside himself with anger.

"He's my big brother! If we're talking about outsiders, you're the one!"

"You've been deceived by him! I just had someone ask. Princess Chan doesn't know any Ning Xuan at all!"

Shangguan Qingrou froze. "Really?" she asked.

"It's absolutely true! You know my second brother works in the Jiang Residence!"

Sun Yu had expected Shangguan Qingrou to be angry, but her reaction left him dumbfounded. She actually laughed.

"Damn it, you wench! I'm still standing right here, and you dare…" Sun Yu didn't finish his sentence before an Element Force Giant Hand clamped around his neck. It was Ning Xuan.

"Your mouth is disgusting," Ning Xuan's indifferent voice sounded.

"Let go of our young master!"

"How audacious!"

Roars of fury erupted from all around. The powerful cultivators riding the exotic beasts reacted swiftly, instantly surrounding the now-open-topped carriage.

"Big Brother Ning, I'm fine. Let it go," Shangguan Qingrou said, her expression changing as she tried to placate him. She hadn't expected Ning Xuan to stand up for her like this. Her heart filled with a mixture of sweetness and worry.

Although the Sun Family had started as merchants, their underlying foundation was no weaker than the established old families of Realm Capital. Furthermore, Sun Yu was Sun Mingfeng's most doted-on youngest son. If anything were to happen to him, the matter would not end peacefully, even if Ning Xuan truly knew Princess Jiang Chan. She didn't want Ning Xuan to offend the Sun Family for her sake.

"Are you sure?" Ning Xuan asked Shangguan Qingrou, ignoring the murderous glares.

She nodded. Ning Xuan immediately released his grip.

Sun Yu, his face flushed red, bent over and coughed violently. I really felt the threat of death just now. If Shangguan Qingrou hadn't pleaded for me, that little bastard Ning Xuan actually would have killed me!

"What are you all standing there for?! Kill him!" Sun Yu roared, staggering backward as he recovered.

"You dare!" Shangguan Qingrou's sharp cry did not stop the powerful cultivators. We were terrified just now. If anything happened to Sun Yu, none of us would live! How could we spare this brat who acted so brazenly before us, showing us no respect?!

SHIING!

A precious sword, its blade gleaming with a cold light, appeared in Shangguan Qingrou's hand. Just as she was about to act, the hostile auras surging toward her vanished completely. She turned her head to see that Ning Xuan was gone.

Shangguan Qingrou's face turned pale, and an overwhelming killing intent erupted from her. Believing Ning Xuan had met with disaster, she slashed her sword through the air, aiming directly for Sun Yu.

Sun Yu, who was already dumbfounded, never imagined that Shangguan Qingrou would actually attack him. By the time he realized what was happening, it was too late.

His heart was pierced by the sword.

"You… you…" Sun Yu's face was a mask of disbelief. I never imagined Shangguan Qingrou could be so ruthless!