Chapter Thirty-One: A Lady's Companion

“What has you in such a panic?” The Tyrant Dragon entered with an urgent look, his expression tinged with anger as he barked a reprimand.

This warrior was the very one who had quietly slipped away from the crowd earlier.

“Chief Steward, something terrible has happened—your brother has been wounded by someone, and his fate remains uncertain.”

“Say that again! What’s happened to Explosive Bear? Who would dare lay a hand on him?” Tyrant Dragon roared in fury. That someone would dare attack his brother in this wild city was unthinkable. Yet, given Explosive Bear’s cultivation, how could he have been so easily defeated?

“Chief Steward, how could I dare deceive you? Many witnessed it—your brother, Explosive Bear, was injured by a newcomer to the city, an outsider who commands a golden dragon. By now, he’s surely already left!” The messenger had spotted this newcomer upon his arrival, having just returned from the wastelands himself, and had seen Cold Sky descend outside the city astride his dragon.

“A Dragon Warrior?” Tyrant Dragon’s heart skipped a beat. Those who could command dragons always had formidable backing. He hesitated briefly.

“Chief Steward, you mustn’t let him leave unpunished! If you do, the mighty reputation of our Savage City will be tarnished!” Sensing Tyrant Dragon’s doubt, the warrior’s eyes flashed with mockery. Spinning his words, he invoked the city’s honor to urge Tyrant Dragon against the Dragon Warrior.

“Silence! I don’t need you to tell me what must be done.” Tyrant Dragon’s eyes blazed, an invisible pressure bearing down on the warrior. “Where is Explosive Bear now? Take me to him at once. If your words prove true, I’ll make my own judgment!”

“Yes, yes, I deserve punishment for my recklessness!” This warrior, Zhao Chun, was actually the confidant of another chief steward, though he hid it well—so well that even Tyrant Dragon was unaware. Zhao Chun served as a junior steward among the city guards, granting him access to Tyrant Dragon’s residence with his message.

Glancing around as he entered, Zhao Chun caught sight of the jade token in Tyrant Dragon’s hand, and a sense of foreboding crept over him—his master’s ambitions, it seemed, were about to fail.

The four chief stewards of Savage City all knew the city lord would soon bestow the pass to the Ancient Realm upon one of them. Though the journey was for the city lord’s benefit, there would be plenty of rewards for the chosen one—treasures abounded in the Ancient Realm, and even with poor luck, one could easily acquire a valuable artifact.

Zhao Chun’s master was Meng Qiankun, second only to Tyrant Dragon in rank. Meng Qiankun had always resented being overshadowed by Tyrant Dragon—though he lagged behind in cultivation, in other respects, Tyrant Dragon couldn’t hope to match him.

Meng Qiankun was confident the city lord would choose him this time. Strength alone was not enough—the Ancient Realm attracted geniuses from all over, each outstanding among their peers and brilliant in strategy as well. Someone as brawny and simple-minded as Tyrant Dragon would surely be outmaneuvered, perhaps even losing his life, let alone fulfilling the city lord’s mission and securing any benefit.

Thus, Meng Qiankun was certain the Jade Qiong Decree would be his, and Zhao Chun was his planted spy within the city, monitoring the actions of the other stewards, especially Tyrant Dragon. Though all four served the city lord, they vied behind the scenes for greater advantage.

The city lord was ever-mysterious; none of the four stewards had ever seen him. Instructions were always conveyed by voice transmission. Their loyalty was ensured not only by gratitude—he had been their master—but also by a deadly seal he’d placed on them. Any trace of betrayal, and the city lord could end their lives instantly, no matter how far they fled.

Zhao Chun had no good intentions in reporting to Tyrant Dragon. He hoped to provoke a clash between Tyrant Dragon and the Dragon Warrior, ideally leaving Tyrant Dragon gravely wounded and out of the running for the Ancient Realm. The remaining two stewards posed no threat to his master, and Zhao Chun himself would surely see some reward—perhaps a rare herb from the Ancient Realm.

With his own schemes in mind, Zhao Chun accompanied Tyrant Dragon to the small tavern. Inside the private rooms, Tyrant Dragon saw his brother’s wretched state and rage surged within him. Yet, recalling the city lord’s command, he suppressed his fury with great effort.

He brought the severely wounded Explosive Bear back to his own residence, and ordered the tavern razed to the ground—leaving no survivors.

Noticing that Tyrant Dragon showed no intention of pursuing Cold Sky, Zhao Chun was disappointed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he hurried to inform Meng Qiankun that the city lord had awarded the Jade Qiong Decree to their rival.

Within a lavish pavilion of Savage City, a bewitching, voluptuous woman lay naked upon a couch, her jade hands caressing her ample breasts. Her rosy lips parted in a soul-stirring moan, and between her slightly parted thighs, a glimmer of dewy radiance could be glimpsed.

The silk sheets still bore traces of recent passion, and beside her lay a sturdy man, visibly spent yet unable to resist reaching toward her secret place. His gentle caresses drew forth a trickle of nectar, sending the woman’s chest heaving in pleasure, her moans echoing through the room.

These two were the other chief stewards of Savage City: Ximen Dang, the man, and Zhuang Jinlian, the woman. Both were notorious for their lustful natures and, bound by mutual need, often sought pleasure together as fish and water.

With Ximen Dang’s touch, Zhuang Jinlian soon reached her peak again, her creamy body shuddering as she released a wave of ecstasy.

After lingering on the bed for a while, Ximen Dang reluctantly took his leave. Zhuang Jinlian donned a silk robe and slipped into a side room, where a maid had already prepared a hot bath. As she relaxed into the steaming water, on the verge of sleep, a slender, neatly dressed girl entered quietly. She glided over and whispered a few words into Zhuang Jinlian’s ear.

Zhuang Jinlian’s eyes flew open in shock. “Is this true?” Her fair face, stunned at first, was soon contorted in rage. “The city lord is so biased! In what way is Tyrant Dragon superior to me? How could he give the Jade Qiong Decree to that oaf?”

Her pearly teeth ground together, and as she rose, water splashed everywhere, her heaving breasts bouncing with anger. “Hmph! I refuse to accept this. I’ll go demand a pass from the city lord myself. If Tyrant Dragon can do it, so can I!”

Thus, each chief steward of Savage City, driven by the opportunity to enter the Ancient Realm, schemed to supplant the others and seize the benefits for themselves.

Meanwhile, Cold Sky had already left the city, riding his dragon northward. He skirted the edge of the wastelands rather than venturing into them directly.

Max’s speed was astonishing; before long, the city had vanished from sight. Cold Sky sat cross-legged on the dragon’s back, savoring the remaining flask of wine as the wind roared past his ears—a rare moment of contentment.

“Well, Brother Cold, you did not make my chase in vain. Hehe…” A captivating, melodious laugh sounded from behind.

Cold Sky was startled. Who was this woman, and how did she know him? He turned, momentarily stunned by the sight. Dressed in pale green robes that fluttered in the wind, her delicate feet as white as snow peeped out, and her exquisite features formed a face of enchanting beauty, every movement beguiling. She stood atop a glowing green leaf—a flying treasure, clearly.

“It’s her—Luan Yudie of Green Peak Mountain!” Cold Sky immediately recognized her; they had met once before in Hidden Wind City, where she was the head of Green Peak Mountain.

“Has Brother Cold forgotten Yudie?” Luan Yudie’s eyes, clear as autumn water, fixed on him, her tone holding a trace of gentle reproach.

Cold Sky smiled awkwardly, apologetic. “So it’s you, Head Yudie. I’m honored you remember me from that brief encounter.”

Her laughter tinkled, flowers seeming to tremble in its wake. She guided her treasure up beside Max, her gaze charming. “Is Brother Cold also bound for the Ancient Realm’s entrance?”

“I am. Are you, as well?” Cold Sky did not hide his purpose; her question revealed their goals aligned.

“It seems I’ll have company. My journey won’t be so lonely after all!” Luan Yudie’s delight was childlike, her bright eyes darting incessantly over Max the golden dragon.

“Brother Cold, I have a small request—would you grant it?”

“Please, Head Yudie, speak freely.” Cold Sky smiled easily but grew more wary within; a passing acquaintance did not make them friends.

Luan Yudie smiled softly, a hint of envy in her tone. “Since childhood, I’ve admired those mighty enough to ride dragons and dreamed of soaring the skies upon one. I wonder if you’d let me accompany you on your dragon’s back.”

Looking into her pure, limpid eyes, Cold Sky shrugged with generosity. “Why not? If you wish it, you are most welcome.” With that, he gestured her aboard.

She laughed, a crystalline chime, her flying treasure dissolving into green light that merged into her body. With a graceful step, she joined him on the dragon’s back.

Settling herself with ease, Luan Yudie curiously explored her surroundings with childlike wonder, making Cold Sky’s mind drift.

“Come, Brother Cold, let it fly!”

A touch of sympathy stirred in Cold Sky for this seemingly innocent head of a great sect. Perhaps, for such dazzling women, the only thing others envied was their aura of adoration—what else was there to covet?

Howling, Max unfurled his golden wings and, bearing the pair, transformed into a streak of golden light that vanished into the distant sky in an instant.

“Wow, how magnificent!”

Luan Yudie’s joyful laughter echoed through the air…

Martial Path Supreme—Chapter 31: A Woman’s Company—End of Update.