The Strongest Talent Tree

From what Feng Hao knew, the Sword Language Coast was a famous scenic spot in the southeastern part of the Mu Country, just over a day’s journey from Overlapping Shadow Mountain. Legend had it that an ancient Enlightenment Sword Saint named Sun Yalong had carved it into existence with a single slash of his sword. The vibrant Sword Intent had yet to fade, and one could occasionally hear the ringing of swords, which was how it earned the name Sword Language Coast.

In its early years, the Sword Language Coast mostly attracted Sword Technique Masters who came, drawn by its reputation, to comprehend the Sword Intent. Later, thanks to its beautiful scenery and word-of-mouth praise from these Sword Technique Masters, it gradually became a famous tourist destination.

It was especially popular with young couples, and so it slowly evolved into what was now a sacred spot for lovers to pledge their love.

The young couple, Lu Linfei and his girlfriend, cuddled affectionately. His eyes filled with happiness as he said, "You might not know this, Brother Feng, but Xiaoxue and I rarely get to spend time together. Now that we’re out and about, I absolutely have to take her to see the Sword Language Coast."

"Alright, alright. If you’re going, then get a move on. And stop with the PDA in front of me," Feng Hao said, annoyed.

At his words, Ting Xiaoxue immediately blushed crimson. Lu Linfei looked embarrassed as well. "Alright then, Brother Feng, we’ll part ways here. If you ever get a chance to visit Snow Cloud City, be sure to let me know. Xiaoxue and I will personally come to welcome you."

"I know, I know. Now get lost, you two are bugging me!" Feng Hao teased with a chuckle.

Lu Linfei let out a short laugh, then summoned his Magic Energy Flying Vehicle. After bidding Feng Hao farewell one last time, he vanished into the misty horizon.

’Having their love shoved in his face like that left Feng Hao with an unbearable itch in his heart. He wished he could rush right back to Yao Girl and give her a few smooches.’

「Back at Thief Peak」

Lin Luo and the others were on the training grounds, laughing and joking as they trained.

With the moment of his departure drawing near, everyone felt a little sentimental, even the usually boisterous Mei Meimei. "What’s the rush? Why not stay a few more days? The [Pulse Wrist Guard] I’m making for you isn’t finished yet."

"You might not know, Fourth Sister, but I have a shop to manage back in Five States City. Besides, it’s about time for Yaoyao to take the entrance exam for the Five Provinces Academy," Feng Hao explained with a helpless sigh.

"Who’s Yaoyao?" Mei Meimei’s eyes widened in curiosity.

Lin Luo chuckled from the side. "Fifth Brother’s girlfriend," he explained. "Our future sister-in-law, basically."

"Sister-in-law?" Mei Meimei exclaimed. She looked Feng Hao up and down, clicking her tongue in amazement. "Well now, Xiaowu, you’re quite something! Getting a girlfriend this young. Not like these three—they’re getting on in years and are still single."

"..." Having been dragged into the conversation, Lin Luo and the other two were rendered speechless with exasperation.

Kang Shuai flicked his folding fan. "Do I look like someone who’s lacking for girlfriends?" he said, annoyed. "I’m not just bragging. If I were to just stand on a street corner, a whole crowd of women would be lining up to be my girlfriend."

"Oh really? Then why are you still single?" Mei Meimei retorted with a sneer.

"Don’t just call me single like that. There’s a difference. I’m a bachelor!" Kang Shuai corrected.

Wang Tongqian chimed in to support him. "Exactly! We’re bachelors! What’s all this ’single’ business?"

Mei Meimei scoffed. "Aren’t they the same thing?" she said, unconvinced.

"Same my ass! You’re single if you can’t find anyone. You’re a bachelor if you can, but choose not to," Lin Luo argued, his face flushing red.

"Tch. Bottom line is, you’re still alone," Mei Meimei said, curling her lip in disdain. She then turned to an embarrassed-looking Feng Hao. "Look at Xiaowu! He’s barely in his twenties and already has a girlfriend. As his older brothers, aren’t you ashamed?"

Lin Luo and the other two were exasperated. They huffed, "You should worry about yourself! The way you’re always blowing things up, you’ll probably never get married!"

"Hmph! Who says I can’t get married? Piss me off, and I’ll go find a man tomorrow and have my way with him!" Mei Meimei threatened, gesturing wildly.

And so, a chaotic war of words broke out. It was Mei Meimei versus the three of them, and her combat prowess was off the charts.

Feng Hao watched from the sidelines, completely dumbfounded. He couldn’t even find an opportunity to get a word in.

Fortunately, Thief Master arrived just in time. He silenced the war with a single, cold glance.

"You’re all adults, yet you’re still bickering like children. It’s ridiculous!" Thief Master snapped.

Mei Meimei shot back defiantly, "I didn’t do anything wrong! The three of them were ganging up on me!"

"Go stand on the side. You were the loudest one just now!" Thief Master glared at her and huffed. "Look at Xiaofeng. He’s so well-behaved, he didn’t join in the argument at all."

’...’ The four of them, including Lin Luo, were speechless. ’Come to think of it, wasn’t this whole argument started because of Feng Hao in the first place?’

"Thief Master, you’re playing favorites!" Mei Meimei complained.

Thief Master’s eyes narrowed into a glare. "So what if I play favorites?" he sneered. "You got a problem with that?"

"Hmph!" Mei Meimei was rendered speechless. Her delicate body trembled with anger, and the two Mount Everests on her chest rose and fell like a magnitude 8 earthquake.

’Feng Hao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. ’Thief Master is so blunt!’ he thought. ’Even though I’m his ’official’ disciple, he doesn’t have to be so blatant with his favoritism, does he?’’

For a moment, the training grounds fell silent. Thief Master swept his gaze over the group irritably, then said in a low voice, "You’ve had enough rest these last few days. Get ready. I have new missions for you."

"We have missions?" The four of them were taken aback, their expressions turning serious.

Thief Master nodded. "There are two [Thief Missions] this time. Eldest Brother and Third Brother will team up. Second Brother’s mission is easier; he can handle it alone."

As he spoke, he tossed out two small, exquisite black Tokens.

"Rest assured, Thief Master. We guarantee we’ll complete the missions!" Lin Luo and the other two brothers took the Tokens and nodded solemnly.

When Mei Meimei, who was standing to the side, heard there was no mission for her, her expression instantly soured. "Why am I left out again? I’m already level sixty-five!"

"Look at you, so impatient," Thief Master said, exasperated. "Don’t worry. You have a more important mission this time."

"What mission?" Mei Meimei’s eyes filled with anticipation. "It’s not going to be holing myself up on Thief Peak building machines again, is it?"

"Of course not." Thief Master glanced at Feng Hao and grinned. "Xiaofeng is leaving tomorrow, but the Celestial Eagle Team has been causing serious trouble lately. I’m worried about him, so I’m assigning you to escort him back."

"That works too," Mei Meimei said, completely satisfied. "As long as I’m not stuck on Thief Peak gathering dust, I’ll go anywhere."

At this, Feng Hao looked apprehensive. "Um... an escort isn’t really necessary, is it? I should be able to protect myself."

"No. The Celestial Eagle Team has been very active lately. As your master, I can’t rest easy with you traveling alone," Thief Master said, his tone serious.

"Alright then." Feng Hao nodded, resigned. To be honest, having someone escort him back was a pretty good deal. The problem was that this particular escort, Mei Meimei, was a walking disaster.

’I’ve got to be kidding. This girl was the Empress of speed demons. The mere thought of having to endure her reckless flying on the way back sent a shiver down Feng Hao’s spine. There was just no helping it; when she got behind the controls, she was an absolute monster!’

’By Feng Hao’s conservative estimate, even a person in a coma would be jolted awake by a ride in Mei Meimei’s flying vehicle.’