NOVEL NEXT Chapter 86: Chapter 86
Chapter 86: Arrival at Spirit City
Liu Erlong glanced down at the dress she was wearing, recalling how Zhao Ling had bought it for her. Her cheeks turned red despite herself.
But then, her thoughts shifted to the complicated dynamics between Zhao Ling and the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family. She knew that Zhao Ling's relationship with her family was fraught with tension, and her father, Yu Luomian, was the type of man who would risk his life to protect the family's honor.
Knowing this, she decided it was best not to mention Zhao Ling at all. With a dissatisfied snort, she replied, "Father, I was just bored staying home alone. I went out for a walk and bought a few nice outfits for myself. Why are you so angry?"
Yu Luomian had originally intended to chastise his daughter for being away for over a week without notice. However, as he looked at her, he suppressed his frustration with a soft sigh.
As his illegitimate daughter, Liu Erlong could neither be acknowledged by the family nor return to the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex clan. Her mother had died early, and Yu Luomian had always been busy with family affairs, leaving Liu Erlong alone in a vast, empty house.
He couldn't blame her for feeling lonely and wanting to escape from her solitude, even if only temporarily.
Letting the matter drop, Yu Luomian studied his daughter's outfit and nodded approvingly. "This dress suits you well. It's much better than those plain green skirts you used to wear. It must have been expensive, right?"
After putting the watering can aside, Yu Luomian pulled a black card from his storage soul guide and handed it to her. "Here, take this. Use it as you like."
Liu Erlong accepted the card without hesitation. She had no qualms about taking her father's money—if she didn't, it would just go to her older brother.
With that, she turned and headed inside. Having not eaten yet, she decided to prepare herself a meal.
---
As she sat down to eat, she noticed her father entering the house with a downcast expression. He sighed heavily and slumped into a chair, looking as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Curious, Liu Erlong paused mid-bite and asked teasingly, "Father, what's wrong? You look so sad. Did something happen to upset you? Go ahead, tell me—I could use some entertainment."
Yu Luomian shot her an incredulous look. "What kind of daughter are you? Aren't daughters supposed to be their fathers' comforting companions? Mine seems to enjoy my misery."
He sighed again and muttered, "It's your two cousins—always causing trouble."
Hearing this, Liu Erlong immediately thought back to the sight of Zhao Ling pinning her two cousins to the ground. It had been brutal, but in her eyes, entirely deserved.
She didn't feel any loyalty to the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family. To her, they were little more than people who shared her bloodline but had never cared for her.
By contrast, Zhao Ling had brought her tangible benefits—extending her lifespan by 30 years, slowing her aging by 10%, and showering her with kindness, gifts, and attention. Naturally, her loyalty lay with him.
Feigning interest, Liu Erlong continued to eat as she prodded her father. "What happened to my cousins? Tell me the details—I'm all ears."
Yu Luomian frowned at her enthusiasm but began recounting the recent events. "Yu Xiaolong has been turned into a fool, and Yu Xiaogang was sentenced to ten years of detention."
Liu Erlong nearly choked on her food. "A fool? I didn't see that coming."
She had been about to remark that Zhao Ling hadn't seemed to use much effort during the encounter, but she stopped short, noticing her father's suspicious gaze. Not wanting to provoke him, she quickly changed the subject.
Still, the thought of her cousins' downfall amused her greatly. If her father weren't present, she might have burst into laughter. As it was, suppressing her mirth left her coughing repeatedly, tears springing to her eyes.
Yu Luomian watched his daughter in confusion. Why was she suddenly choking so badly?
---
Two days later, Zhao Ling, Ah Yin, and the Spirit Hall entourage arrived in Spirit City.
Zhao Ling lifted the curtain of their carriage, gazing curiously at the bustling streets. The city was alive with activity, its vibrancy captivating.
Ah Yin's eyes sparkled as she took in the sights, marveling at the bustling crowds and the dazzling array of goods on display.
"Wow, husband, this place is so big!"
Zhao Ling nearly choked on air at her comment, coughing awkwardly before replying. "You... really know how to phrase things. I know your husband has, let's say, a lot to offer, but must you say it so bluntly? Look, even your sister Dong'er is blushing!"
Ah Yin's face turned crimson, and she shot Zhao Ling a shy glare. "I wasn't talking about you! I was talking about how huge Spirit City is. Can you be serious for once and stop twisting my words?"
"Who's twisting anything? You should've been clearer," Zhao Ling retorted smugly. Then, with a mischievous grin, he turned to Bibi Dong.
"Don't you agree, Dong'er? Didn't Ah Yin's comment sound like she was talking about my... capabilities?"
Bibi Dong froze, her face flushing scarlet. She couldn't understand why Zhao Ling had dragged her into this embarrassing conversation, especially given that she was still a virgin.
Unable to handle Zhao Ling's teasing, she buried her face in his chest and pretended to sleep.
Satisfied, Zhao Ling turned his attention back to the streets outside.
---
It was his first time visiting a city as grand as Spirit City since arriving in the Douluo Continent over a decade ago. He estimated the population to be in the millions—a staggering figure for this world.
Though it couldn't compare to the supercities of his previous life on Blue Star, where populations often reached tens of millions, Spirit City was undoubtedly a marvel. It was one of only three cities on the continent with such a vast population.
As their carriage continued through the bustling streets, Zhao Ling couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead in this grand city.
PS: Read +25 advance chapters on my Patreon: [patreon.com/Thebeginning331]
(End of chapter)