2639 Duan Ling Tian is a Golden Celestial!

The incident from three days ago was a hot topic in the County Governor's estate. Previously, everyone thought Duan Ling Tian was definitely going to get into trouble. After all, not only did he severe Zhou Fei's limbs that would incur the wrath of Revered Elder Zhou Tong, but he had also disregarded the rules in the Latent Dragon Abyss that had been set by the County Governor of Nine Specters County.

To everyone's surprise, instead of heavily punishing Duan Ling Tian, the County Governor had announced that Duan Ling Tian was inculpable. The fault had been pushed to Zheng Qiu, an inner-estate elder, for failing to inform Duan Ling Tian about the rules in the Latent Dragon Estate. For this reason, Duan Ling Tian was forgiven and not subjected to any punishment.

"Elder Zheng Qiu did not tell Duan Ling Tian about the rules in the Latent Dragon Abyss so it's not Duan Ling Tian's fault for severely injuring Zhou Fei?"

"This excuse… Doesn't it seem forced?"

"Elder Zheng Qiu's meticulousness is known throughout the County Governor's estate. How could he have forgotten to inform Duan Ling Tian about the rules in the Latent Dragon Abyss?"

"Why do I feel like Lord County Governor is trying to protect Duan Ling Tian?"

"That's absurd! Why would Lord County Governor protect Duan Ling Tian? Zhou Fei is Revered Elder Zhou Tong's godson. I'm sure Lord County Governor is more likely to take Revered Elder Zhou Tong's side than Duan Ling Tian's side."

"That's right! Regardless of how talented Duan Ling Tian is, at this point, he's not as valuable as Revered Elder Zhou Tong!"

Similar discussions could be heard everywhere in the County Governor's estate. Regardless of their opinions, everyone was shocked by the County Governor's announcement. Most of them found it hard to believe that Zheng Qiu would make such a mistake. He was known for being meticulous after all. If it were some other inner-estate elders, people would have an easier time believing it.

...

In a spacious courtyard in the County Governor's estate.

When Zheng Qiu heard the rumors that were flying around, he was seated before a stone table, drinking tea. He could not help but shake his head as a bitter smile appeared on his face. "To think I've been worried that Duan Ling Tian would get into trouble. Who knew he would be saved by the arrival of the delegate from King Qing's Mansion?"

Zheng Qiu was not surprised at the news that was spreading like a wildfire. He had expected this since yesterday. After all, Tian Ji Yu, the County Governor of Nine Specters County, had visited him yesterday and told him about what the delegate from King Qing's Mansion had said.

Upon hearing Tian Ji Yu's words, Zheng Qiu knew, at this moment, the young powerhouse whom he brought from Bloody Specter City had the same value as Zhou Tong in the City Governor's eyes. In fact, currently, Duan Ling Tian might be even more valuable than Zhou Tong.

Zheng Qiu muttered, "Martial Competition of the Sixteen Counties… The mediocre Celestial Pill, the Great Overarching Pill… It seems like King Qing's Mansion is going all out this time!"

Zheng Qiu knew Duan Ling Tian's value lay with his eligibility to participate in the Martial Competition of the Sixteen Counties and the high likelihood of his victory. The County Governor needed Duan Ling Tian to win him the Great Overarching Pills. After all, one Great Overarching Pill could mean an extra Great Overarching Golden Celestial in the Nine Specters County. More importantly, the pill could help the County Governor to improve his cultivation base.

"Before Duan Ling Tian's appearance, Lord County Governor would certainly place his hopes on Zhou Fei when he heard about the competition. However, since Duan Ling Tian managed to defeat Zhou Fei with just a strike, it seems like Duan Ling Tian has replaced Zhou Fei." If that were not that case, the County Governor would not have visited him and requested him to take the blame in order to protect Duan Ling Tian.

Currently, the announcement had officially stated that Zheng Qiu was to blame for Duan Ling Tian's transgression in the Latent Dragon Abyss since he did not properly explain the rules to Duan Ling Tian. He was willing to take the blame and was not displeased. After all, the County Governor had promised him quite a number of rewards. Most importantly, the City Governor had also promised to protect him from Zhou Tong, the Revered Elder of the County Governor's estate.

...

In the Latent Dragon Abyss.

"Duan Ling Tian won't be punished?"

"Heavens! So, in the end, it's Elder Zheng Qiu's fault?"

"Elder Zheng Qiu was the one who escorted Duan Ling Tian here from Bloody Specter City. However, by taking the blame, he's inadvertently protecting Duan Ling Tian. This also means he has tied himself to Duan Ling Tian, they're both in the same boat now. Is it worth it?"

"What do you mean? Elder Zheng Qiu took the blame to protect Duan Ling Tian?"

"That's right. Elder Zheng Qiu has always been meticulous, it's impossible that he had forgotten to tell Duan Ling Tian about the rules in the Latent Dragon Abyss. I'm certain he's taking the blame just to protect Duan Ling Tian."

All of the young powerhouses in the Latent Dragon Abyss agreed that Zheng Qiu had deliberately taken the blame to shield Duan Ling Tian. Otherwise, Duan Ling Tian would not have been able to escape unscathed!

"Elder Zheng Qiu?" Qin Yu who had come out from his stone chamber had also heard the County Governor's announcement. He was similarly shocked. He did not expect Zheng Qiu would end up taking the blame. He had come to the Latent Dragon Abyss with Duan Ling Tian and Zheng Qiu after all. He still remembered every word that Zheng Qiu had told them. He clearly remembered Zheng Qiu telling them about the rules in the Latent Dragon Abyss and how the challenger was prohibited from severely injuring the person he challenged.

Qin Yu thought to himself, 'This involves Revered Elder Zhou Tong. Isn't Elder Zheng Qiu afraid of offending Revered Elder Zhou Tong by protecting Duan Ling Tian? Isn't he afraid that Revered Elder Zhou Tong would retaliate?' He was perplexed. Although Zheng Qiu was an inner-estate elder, and the second strongest Golden Celestial in Nine Specters County, Zheng Qiu was not a Great Overarching Golden Celestial like Zhou Tong after all. Zheng Qiu was definitely not as valuable as Zhou Tong to the County Governor. If Zhou Tong killed Zheng Qiu, he might not even be punished for it. This truly confused him. Naturally, if he knew about the Martial Competition of the Sixteen Counties and the rewards that came with it, he would be able to figure out the answer to his question.

Meanwhile, Zhou Fei, the person whom Duan Ling Tian challenged, came out from his stone chamber. He expected to receive news about Duan Ling Tian being severely punished for his transgression. He did not expect to hear that the blame had been shifted to Zheng Qiu, and Duan Ling Tian escaped completely unscathed.

Zhou Fei shook his head in disbelief. "No! No! This is impossible!" He had difficulty believing the news. However, with so many people saying the same thing, he had no choice to believe it even if he was unwilling.

Zhou Fei did not waste any time and instantly went to look for Zheng Qiu. Perhaps, due to his shock, he had forgotten about propriety and questioned Zheng Qiu in an interrogative manner, "Elder Zheng Qiu, why are you protecting Duan Ling Tian? You're known for being meticulous in the County Governor's estate. It's impossible for you to have forgotten to inform Duan Ling Tian about the rules in the Latent Dragon Abyss. Who is he to you and why are you protecting him?"

"Insolent!" Zheng Qiu rebuked Zhou Fei, "Who do you think you're talking to, Zhou Fei? Regardless, I'm still an inner-estate elder in the County Governor's estate. Who are you to question me?"

Zhou Fei remained fearless. He said in a deep voice, "Elder Zheng Qiu, don't forget that in addition to being a disciple in the Latent Dragon Abyss, I'm also Revered Elder Zhou Tong's godson… By protecting Duan Ling Tian, not only are you going against me, but you're going against my godfather as well. Aren't you afraid that he'll come after you?" His tone turned threatening at the latter part of his speech.

"Scram!" Zheng Qiu bellowed, angered by Zhou Fei's threats. He raised an arm and a vast energy shot out. The energy took the shape of a huge stone before it landed on Zhou Fei, sending Zhou Fei flying out of his residence.

When Zhou Fei landed on the ground, Zheng Qiu said icily, "If you are unhappy about this, ask Revered Elder Zhou Tong to speak to me!"

Zhou Fei sat on the ground for a while, completely stunned. He was confused. Why was Zheng Qiu unafraid even after he mentioned his godfather?

Meanwhile, Zheng Qiu who returned to his residence smiled wryly. He was certainly wary of Zhou Tong. However, since he had taken the blame for Duan Ling Tian upon the County Governor's request, it meant the County Governor would be on his side. Therefore, he was not completely afraid of Zhou Tong.

...

Half a year later.

Duan Ling Tian who had been cultivating in the stone chamber in the depth of the Latent Dragon Abyss was, naturally, unaware of what had transpired. He was so focused on his cultivation that he had even forgotten about the passage of time.

"Finally…" Duan Ling Tian opened his eyes that were shining brightly. He had finally become a Golden Celestial!