War God Long Ao

Everyone was ecstatic, but they were staring at him like he was some kind of monster, and Long Ao found it deeply unsettling.

'Am I a monster?'

He didn't linger, quickening his pace. In no time, he was back at the family estate.

The Long Family's estate had expanded to ten times its original size and was exceptionally opulent.

The moment he stepped into the estate, Long Ao was taken aback. All of his brothers, sisters, and cousins were standing outside the main hall to welcome him, along with his grandfather, parents, second uncle, third uncle, and more.

"Grandfather, Father, Mother, Third Uncle," Long Ao greeted each of them in turn.

No matter how powerful Long Ao became, no matter how many life-or-death battles he fought, the moment he returned to the estate, a profound sense of peace washed over him. This was especially true when he saw his family.

"Good, good, good. As long as you're back, everything is alright."

Mu Lin couldn't hold back her tears. She grabbed Long Ao's hands, looking him over from head to toe, terrified that some harm might have befallen her son. This was home. This was family. No matter what happened, family would always be there.

In the main hall.

After dismissing everyone else, his grandfather Long Haoshi, his father Long Yi, and the other senior men took their seats. Mu Lin, however, did not stay.

"Ao'er, we've heard about your conflict with the Ghost King Sect. Is it resolved now?"

The Ghost King Sect and the Golden Sun Sect were the greatest concerns for Long Haoshi and the others. It was common knowledge that these two sects dominated the Celestial State, and they believed it was impossible for Ao'er to challenge them with his strength alone.

Long Ao nodded. Not wanting to worry his family, he forced a smile. "It's all resolved. You can rest easy."

"Ao'er, you must remember, no matter what happens, this place will always be your home. If you grow weary, just come back. Even if it leads to death, we will face it with you."

His grandfather's words only strengthened Long Ao's resolve. 'I cannot let my family get dragged into this.'

"Grandfather, I just got back. Why is everyone acting so hyper?"

Long Ao was genuinely curious. 'Have all the people in Red Fire Town gone mad?' They treated him like he was some kind of spectacle.

"It's all because of you," Long Haoshi chuckled, and the others all laughed along.

This only made Long Ao more curious. 'It's because of me?'

"Ao'er, you're an idol to everyone in Red Fire Town now. You've been gone for so long, so seeing you again has made everyone incredibly happy and excited."

So that was the reason. Long Ao felt a sense of resignation but didn't comment further.

"Grandfather, did the family receive the Spirit Beast Pills and carcasses I had someone deliver?"

Long Haoshi shook his head. "No."

It was just as he'd feared. Linghu Ning and Bing Hun must have been captured by the Blood Sea Sect. His heart sank. After exchanging a few more words with his family, Long Ao retreated to his private Little Courtyard House.

The Long Family had two Forbidden Lands. The first was Long Ao's Little Courtyard House; the second was the rear courtyard.

After a brief rest, Long Ao left his quarters and went to the rear courtyard. Besides Long Ao, who could come and go as he pleased, no one in the Long Family—not even Long Haoshi—dared set foot in it.

"Brat, you're finally back."

Long Ao felt immense respect and gratitude toward the Fire Qilin. With the Fire Qilin guarding his family, it seemed no one in the Celestial State, perhaps even the entire continent, could harm them.

"Brother Qilin, here is all the Spirit Grass you needed."

He set down all the Spirit Grass—three complete sets, enough for the Fire Qilin to make a full recovery. But Long Ao didn't leave. He hesitated, looking as though he wanted to say something but didn't know how to start.

The Fire Qilin was an old fox; how could it not see that something was on Long Ao's mind?

With a cold snort, the Fire Qilin said irritably, "If you have something to say, spit it out. Stop hemming and hawing."

"Brother Qilin, I'll be direct. Two of my friends were captured by the Blood Sea Sect. My strength alone is not enough to save them, so I was hoping to ask for your help, Elder Qilin."

"If my identity is exposed, I can no longer remain with the Long Family."

"Brother Qilin, I've already thought this through. With your power, you could rescue two people from the Blood Sea Sect without anyone ever knowing."

Although he didn't know the Fire Qilin's exact Realm, Long Ao was certain of one thing: its power definitely surpassed the Venerable Realm. This meant the Fire Qilin was, at the very least, a Supreme Venerable. And for a Supreme Venerable, rescuing two people from the Blood Sea Sect would be child's play.

In the past, the Fire Qilin would have refused without a second thought. But as the saying goes, taking a gift puts you in the giver's debt. The Fire Qilin considered this for a moment and finally nodded in agreement.

It set out that very night.

Long Ao stayed up all night, unable to sleep. Though he had faith in the Fire Qilin's power, he knew nothing about the Blood Sea Sect. 'Who knows,' he thought, 'the Blood Sea Sect might just have an expert more powerful than the Fire Qilin.'

The next day, when Linghu Ning and Bing Hun appeared before him, Long Ao was finally able to breathe a true sigh of relief.

Even now, Linghu Ning and Bing Hun seemed overcome with emotion, still processing what had happened.

Bing Hun said in shock, "Brother Long, if I'm not mistaken, the injured Qilin from Red Fire Mountain is now protecting the Long Family."

Since it had come to this, Long Ao saw no reason to hide the truth and told them the entire story. After hearing it, Linghu Ning and Bing Hun were left sighing with even greater amazement.

They didn't press for more details. They both understood that this was an incredibly sensitive matter, and as friends, they knew perfectly well which questions to ask and which to leave unspoken.

"Brother Linghu, Bing Hun, I'm sorry for getting you two caught up in this."

"Friends don't need such words. Brother Long, even though we were rescued by Elder Qilin, it's clear the Blood Sea Sect is targeting you. You have to be careful."

Long Ao nodded. He was well aware of their concerns. Regardless, seeing that the two of them were safe was a huge weight off his mind.

After getting them settled for the time being, Long Ao immediately entered the Alchemy Room and began his work.

He had slain many powerful Spirit Beasts in the Flame Forest, including no fewer than thirty Transformation Spirit Beasts. The elixirs refined from their Beast Pills would be a massive help for any Martial Artist seeking a breakthrough.

This time, Long Ao planned to raise the entire family's strength. That way, even if something happened to him one day, the family wouldn't be doomed to perish with him.

By using a two-pronged approach of elixirs and the power of the Spirit Ball, Long Ao was confident he could rapidly increase the family's overall strength.

Outside Red Fire Town.

The Nine Nether Spider, Li Xin, and Long Yili stared intently at Red Fire Town. Long Yili's face was a mask of pure hatred as he spoke. "Master, this is Red Fire Town, where Long Ao's family is. If we take control of the town, I'm certain Long Ao will have no choice but to come back."