Dongfang Qing's body trembled more violently by the second, his eyes bulging wider, resembling a volcano on the verge of eruption, his fury building to an overwhelming peak.
And no wonder—President Dongfang Qing had poured countless efforts, enduring untold hardships, to secure this cutting-edge bloodline device from the higher Bloodline Holy Land. Before he could even fully study it, a staff blunder had allowed a mere boy to damage it. Such a thing would enrage anyone.
This heart-wrenching loss warranted nothing less than tearing the culprit to shreds.
In an instant, the air in the bloodline chamber thickened, suffocatingly still. Even breathing felt like a luxury, each second stretching into an eternity.
Finally, Dongfang Qing—pent-up to the breaking point in everyone's eyes—leapt up, his booming voice thundering through the bloodline area like a storm.
"Who was it? Who dared come in and tamper with my bloodline device? Tell me now—who?!"
In a flash, Dongfang Qing seized Li Wenyu by the collar, roaring like a lion unleashed, shaking Li Wenyu until his head spun, spittle splattering his face.
Under Dongfang Qing's onslaught, Li Wenyu was utterly dazed, unable to speak. His face flushed purple like a pig's liver as he struggled to respond, only to be jostled silent.
"It was him, President! This brat—he ruined your bloodline device! And this attendant—she let him in! They deserve death! While I was off fixing Master Chen Fan's device, they sneaked into your chamber and wrecked it. Even ten thousand deaths wouldn't ease my rage!"
Liu Tong, nearly unconscious moments ago, sprang up like a carp flipping upright, pointing furiously at Qin Chen and Lin Xinrou. His voice dripped with indignation, his eyes blazing with anger and feigned heartbreak, as if he too were a victim.
"Him?!"
Dongfang Qing's gaze snapped to Qin Chen, a flicker of astonishment crossing his eyes. In a blur, he stood before Qin Chen, staring him down intently. "Young man, was it you who entered my chamber and touched my bloodline device?"
"Correct," Qin Chen met Dongfang Qing's eyes unflinchingly, his demeanor calm and composed, exuding a maturity and steadiness beyond his years.
"But I didn't sneak in. When this attendant brought me here, the door was already open. No one said this chamber was off-limits."
"Hmph, you dare quibble, boy? An open door doesn't mean you can waltz in! This bloodline device is far too advanced—do you, a mere child, even understand it? If you still meddle with it, that's deliberate sabotage! I suspect you're a pawn sent by some scheming faction to ruin the president's device!" Liu Tong, desperate to save himself, slapped a grand accusation onto Qin Chen.
"President, I now suspect this boy might be a spy from the Blood Demon Cult!" Liu Tong snarled, his face twisted.
The crowd tensed. The Blood Demon Cult—a notorious terror across the five northern kingdoms, known for its ruthless methods and rampant evil. Its power dwarfed even the five kingdoms combined. For years, it had sought to infiltrate and control the region, thwarted only by forces like the Bloodline Holy Land and the Artifact Hall. If this boy was truly a saboteur from the cult, the stakes were dire.
Qin Chen let out a cold laugh, casting a disdainful glance at Liu Tong. "Heh, me—a common citizen of Great Qi—labeled a spy of the Blood Demon Cult? You've got quite the imagination!"
"You—" Liu Tong bristled, stung by Qin Chen's gaze, his anger surging. Before he could retort, *slap!*—a sharp strike landed on his face. He flew back like a torn sack, crashing hard to the ground.
The one who struck was none other than Dongfang Qing, still fixed on Qin Chen.
"Shut up, you disgrace! Get out of my sight!"
This sudden turn left everyone dumbfounded.
Liu Tong sprawled on the ground, spitting blood. "President, I…" His mind reeled, utterly lost.
Li Wenyu was equally baffled.
But what followed shocked them even more.
Dongfang Qing stepped swiftly toward Qin Chen, a smile breaking across his face—like wilted flowers blooming anew, awkward and strained. "Young friend, may I ask your lineage? I am Dongfang Qing, president of Great Qi's Bloodline Holy Land. To meet a talent like you today is a fortune worth three lifetimes."
His smile was warm, devoid of the earlier fury, as gentle as could be.
The crowd froze, jaws dropping.
Many roared inwardly: *What's going on? Why is the lofty president being so cordial to a fifteen-year-old boy?*
Li Wenyu and the guards rubbed their eyes, convinced they were seeing things.
Qin Chen frowned. "No need to mention my lineage. Do you have anything else?"
The onlookers gaped.
*Who is this kid? Doesn't he know he's facing President Dongfang Qing? Even Great Qi's princes wouldn't dare speak to him like that!*
"Er…" Dongfang Qing scratched his head, chuckling awkwardly. "Well, you activated our Holy Land's bloodline device. Could you, perhaps, turn it off?"
His face reddened slightly as he spoke. This device, newly acquired from the higher Holy Land, was still beyond his grasp.
"Simple enough."
Qin Chen stepped into the chamber. This time, no one dared stop him. They watched, stunned, as he approached the device, his hands dancing over it with swift precision. His fingers moved like an artist playing a captivating melody brimming with grace.
A ribbon of seven-colored light flashed, and the device dimmed.
Dongfang Qing's eyes lit up, fixated on Qin Chen's technique, his body trembling excitedly.
"Ahem…" Once Qin Chen shut it down, Dongfang Qing rubbed his hands together. "Young friend, how did you activate it just now? Could you share that with me?"
His tone was deferential, like an eager apprentice seeking guidance, gazing at Qin Chen with hope.
Qin Chen saw through him—Dongfang Qing was unfamiliar with the device and sought to learn from him. He didn't hold back. "I'll show you once. Watch closely."
With that, Qin Chen's hands sprang into motion, fingers flashing across the device. It blazed to life, seven-colored light streaming forth, bathing the chamber in dazzling splendor.
Then, calmly, he said, "Today's matter should be clear now. May I leave?"
"Of course, of course!"
Dongfang Qing steadied his excitement, turning to Li Wenyu. "Li Wenyu, escort this young friend—no, wait, I'll do it myself."
Dongfang Qing personally led Qin Chen out of the Bloodline Holy Land.
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