Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

"Patriarch, this matter is of utmost importance; we must not allow him to roam freely here!"

They chattered amongst themselves, all hoping the family head would intervene and suppress Yang Ling, eliminating him from their grasp. They worried that Yang Ling's strength would become even more terrifying as he grew. Yang Ling looked at Dai Tianze, who sighed and prepared to make his move.

"In that case, your life is indeed not spared!" Just then, a voice rang out.

Hearing the voice, Yang Ling breathed a sigh of relief, not expecting the female patriarch to arrive at this time.

When the female head of the family appeared, everyone was stunned.

"I can't believe that after all these years, you're still the same. It's disgusting. You actually dared to argue with a junior and even tried to crush him. You're shameless!" The female patriarch blurted out, and the people were so shocked by her aura that they retreated one after another.

Upon seeing the female head of the family, their eyes widened in disbelief, unable to comprehend why she would appear at this time.

After all, the female head of the family has always been detached from worldly affairs, as if nothing concerns her and she would never interfere.

This time, she actually intervened, and even helped Yang Ling. What's her relationship with Yang Ling?

"Even if your strength has increased and you can now stand on equal footing with me, don't think that just because you've improved, you can be arrogant. This is just the beginning!"

"Besides, Yang Ling is someone I'm protecting. You casually attacked a junior and still act all high and mighty. I don't know how someone like you became the head of the family!" the female family head said mercilessly.

She never paid attention to others, and she didn't need to give Dai Tianze any face.

Dai Tianze couldn't believe it. Was the female patriarch really going to declare war on Yang Ling for his sake? And what was she thinking? Their strength and cultivation levels were almost equal, and they rarely clashed head-on.

Besides, even if they fought, they might both be severely injured, and neither would gain any advantage. He found it hard to believe that the female family head was doing this for Yang Ling.

"You're not really going to protect this kid, are you? What is it about him that makes him worth protecting?"

"When did it become your business to interfere in my affairs? Mind your own business. Besides, what you've done is shameful enough. If I were you, I'd be tucked my tail between my legs and go back right now. I admire your audacity in staying here!" Her words were laced with sarcasm, and she didn't even glance at Dai Tianze once. Hearing the female patriarch's words, Dai Tianze was so angry he couldn't speak. If it were anyone else, he would have dealt with them long ago, but it was her, and the female patriarch's strength was far beyond his capabilities.

It's said her strength has been steadily increasing and will likely become even stronger in the future. His strength has only just advanced; even if he's not far behind her, he hasn't reached that level yet. But Yang Ling absolutely cannot be allowed to live. If Yang Ling is allowed to live, there will definitely be endless troubles in the future. He gritted his teeth.

"I only want his life. Once I have his life, I will naturally give him the elixir to keep him alive. Or you can let me cripple him!" he said cautiously, unwilling to compromise any further.

"And if you agree, I'm willing to give you more resources and help you improve your strength. Whatever you want next, I'll grant it to you!" Everyone gasped, not expecting the patriarch to go to such lengths to kill Yang Ling, which showed just how much of a threat Yang Ling posed to him.

Dai Tianze's arrogance was noticeably less than before...

Previously, he was arrogant and domineering, his aura so powerful that even ancient-level demonic beasts could hardly withstand a single blow from him. But now, facing the female patriarch, his anger was suppressed by half, and he could only cautiously negotiate with her.

"With my current strength, I'm virtually unmatched in the entire region; you can count them on your fingers. Why do you want to be my enemy? Why not do me a favor and let me take care of this kid!"

"I will definitely owe you several favors in the future, and I will repay them without fail. I will never go back on my word." Dai Tianze knew in his heart that he was no match for the female patriarch, and there was no need to fight her to the death. He had other trump cards, and as long as the female patriarch agreed, everything would be fine. But to his surprise, the female patriarch's expression was serious, and she coldly said:
"Have you finished your nonsense?" As soon as he finished speaking, Dai Tianze was burning with anger, his back teeth almost grinding to powder.

What is so good about Yang Ling that he could make the female patriarch his backer? A murderous glint flashed in his eyes, but he quickly calmed down and took a step back.

"I'll spare his life for your sake. But he won't be so lucky next time!" He reluctantly made a concession, otherwise, if word got out that this happened today, people would think he was weak and afraid of the female head of the family.

The female patriarch, upon hearing this, seemed to find it a joke. Too lazy to respond to Dai Tianze, she thought his boastful words were utterly laughable. With a wave of her hand, she hurriedly left with Yang Ling, disappearing from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.

Only after their figures completely disappeared did Dai Tianze clench his fists, his face turning pale and then flushed.

The other elders sensed his barely suppressed rage, which was about to explode, and didn't dare to breathe. At this moment, who would dare to provoke him? Dai Tianze could kill them with a single palm strike.

"What are you still standing here for? Don't you think you've been humiliated enough today? Go back first!" He had originally planned to get rid of Yang Ling and vent his anger, but unexpectedly, the female family head appeared out of nowhere, leaving him with no choice but to swallow his pent-up rage. The others followed behind Dai Tianze, and as he looked around, his words carried a hint of threat.

"I will handle the Wang family's affairs myself, but today's events must not be leaked. If anyone leaks them, you know the consequences!" Everyone quickly echoed.

"Of course! The patriarch is incredibly powerful and has only just been promoted! Once the patriarch patiently cultivates, he will surely be able to return and settle this score properly!"

"We are willing to follow the patriarch!"

"Please rest assured, Patriarch!" After all, no one dared to offend him. Then, the elders exchanged glances, and, steeling themselves, asked:

"Patriarch, what should we do about Yang Ling?" As soon as he finished speaking, the temperature around Dai Tianze plummeted, and his gaze was like a knife, scraping them hard. They immediately lowered their heads.

"I am determined to kill Yang Ling." He said each word slowly and deliberately, his eyes filled with an unprecedented determination, his words carrying a complex mix of emotions.

Meanwhile, on the other side, after Yang Ling was taken away by the female patriarch, he found himself in another place when he came to his senses. He gradually regained his composure, cupped his hands to the female patriarch, and couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you so much for saving me, senior! If it weren't for your timely intervention, I'd probably be dead already!" If the female patriarch hadn't suddenly appeared and saved his life, he probably wouldn't have escaped death today. Who would have thought that a family that had always kept a low profile would suddenly produce such a powerful expert? Fortunately, the female patriarch arrived in time. The female patriarch calmly withdrew her gaze; she had saved Yang Ling precisely because he was useful to her.

"If you die now, who will I ask for help in the future? You're carrying not only your own fate, but also mine!" Anyway, saving Yang Ling was just a side thing.

"I will always remember your life-saving grace. If I am able to repay you in the future, please do not hesitate to ask!" the female patriarch blurted out.

"Your strength is still too weak, and there's very little time left. I think you should hurry up and improve your strength. Your current cultivation speed is too slow, and you won't be of much help to me when the time comes!"

Hearing the female patriarch's words, Yang Ling twitched his lips. As expected of her, her words were so cutting. In truth, Yang Ling's strength was not weak; he was far superior to other experts of the same realm.

The female head of the family continued:

"If you can't help me then, I will definitely take care of you without hesitation. Don't forget what you promised me!" She said calmly, as if she were talking about something perfectly ordinary.

Yang Ling knew in his heart that the female patriarch wasn't joking with him. After getting to know her, he found her to be eccentric and not easy to get along with. If he weren't useful to her, the female patriarch wouldn't have been so kind as to help him.

"Alright, once your strength improves further, you can go and retrieve the treasure from him. That treasure will naturally help you reach even greater heights!" Yang Ling knew what she meant and understood that she was referring to Qin Xiaoxiao.

Even if he wanted the treasure, Qin Xiaoxiao might not be willing to hand it over. But the female head of the family didn't care about that; whether or not he could get it depended on Yang Ling's abilities.

"Alright, I have other things to do. If you have nothing else, you can leave now!" With that, the female patriarch turned and left. Yang Ling then remembered he didn't know how the Wang family was doing and needed to quickly arrange the follow-up matters. He moved swiftly, boarding the treasure ship, and after several detours, finally arrived at a secluded area. At this time, many people appeared here. The Wang family was, after all, a large clan, and their spiritual energy was extremely strong. The surrounding people looked at each other, curious as to why such a large family would appear here, and what their purpose was.
The men exchanged bewildered glances, wondering why Yang Ling hadn't appeared yet. The Wang family head was frantic; he had initially intended to stand with Yang Ling, but Yang Ling had forcefully pushed them away, and after that, he didn't know what had happened. His spies, whom he had sent out, hadn't returned yet…

Just then, the person outside rushed back, his face pale and trembling, and said:

"We didn't find Yang Ling, but I heard that the Li Clan's patriarch, Dai Tianze, has greatly increased in strength; he's no ordinary expert. How could Yang Ling possibly handle him alone? He's probably already been dealt with!" Even if Yang Ling is incredibly strong, he couldn't possibly defeat such a powerful figure. Patriarch Wang's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief. How could this be?

He was furious beyond words.

"We were rescued by Yang Ling, how can we abandon him!"

"You all come back with me. I have to find out where they are. I need to see them dead or alive! No matter what, I will do everything in my power to avenge them!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears.

"Patriarch Wang, I never expected you to have such strength. I truly admire you. However, we haven't reached the end of our rope yet, so there's no need to be so ruthless!" Hearing this, he subconsciously looked up, his eyes filled with surprise. Yang Ling was unharmed.

"Young Master Yang, how come you're alright?"

Yang Ling stepped forward, placed her hand on his shoulder, and patted him gently.

"Don't get so agitated. I'm standing right in front of you, all right here. Don't be nervous!" His pupils constricted sharply. He had initially thought that Yang Ling, having fallen into Dai Tianze's hands, was likely doomed. After all, Dai Tianze's strength was vastly different from Yang Ling's; even if Yang Ling were incredibly powerful, it would be difficult to bridge such a huge gap. Moreover, Dai Tianze was always cunning, and Yang Ling was their enemy. How could he easily let Yang Ling go?

But now Yang Ling has actually returned alive, and he asked excitedly:

"Young Master Yang, what exactly happened?"

"I heard that Dai Tianze's strength has greatly increased. He has always been arrogant and would never easily let go of any enemy. What happened?" They all turned their gazes to Yang Ling, eager to know how he had escaped. Yang Ling smiled slightly. Since they were all on his side, there was no need to hide anything.

“You’re right, Dai Tianze’s strength has indeed increased dramatically, making him extremely powerful. I’m no match for him now. I was able to leave because the female patriarch saved me!” Yang Ling’s relationship with the female patriarch was at most acquaintance; their interactions were primarily based on mutual benefit. Before the Blood Moon arrives, the female patriarch will definitely protect him; otherwise, all their efforts will be in vain, and the female patriarch herself will not fare well. Therefore, Yang Ling is not worried.

At least the female patriarch wouldn't take his life for the time being, and besides, she had promised to help him and protect the Chen family; their safety was in her hands. Their eyes were filled with astonishment.

"No way, Young Master Yang, you're not mistaken, are you? It's actually the female head of the family! How is that possible!"

Yang Ling smiled, understanding their thoughts.

"Don't worry, I have a good relationship with the female patriarch. And once you're on my territory, she'll protect us; no one will do anything to you!" Yang Ling's words stunned them, because they knew all too well who the female patriarch was. She was a peerless powerhouse, and her beauty was exceptional, truly breathtaking. Everyone who spoke of her was filled with admiration.

Yang Ling's lips twitched.

They breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Yang Ling's words. They had previously thought the Wang family was doomed, their years of accumulated wealth vanishing in a single day—who could bear such a loss? But now, with the female head of the family helping them, there was hope.

"Don't worry, I'll handle the Wang family's affairs for you. Just stay nearby for now. This barrier will break down in a while at most, and then I'll personally arrange a way out for you!"

"Just tell me what medicinal herbs you want, and I'll give you plenty!" The head of the Wang family looked at him gratefully.

"Young Master Yang, we truly have no way to repay your immense kindness. We will never forget your help!" However, just as they were talking, a voice came from outside. Yang Ling looked up and saw several figures from several powerful families. Those families had been eyeing them covetously for a long time. It was understandable that the Wang family head, unlike them, was unaware of their presence. (End of Chapter)