Heroines, I'm Really not the Devourer
Chapter 48: The Power of Qing Long

Chapter 48: The Power of Qing Long

Two days later.

At the foot of the Celestial Mountain, overwhelming auras reigned. Tens of thousands of cultivators had gathered, forming an ever-expanding sea of people. Every second, new arrivals joined the crowd, coming from all the major sects and ancestral families. Some sought glory, others opportunities to rise, and a few simply the chance to survive against the Devourer.

In a makeshift headquarters, hastily constructed with tents and luxurious pavilions to accommodate the elite, the most powerful young cultivators were gathered. It wasn’t just a matter of strength, but also of status and political power.

At the center, a large table covered with a detailed map of the Eternal Ruins dominated the room. Around it, renowned figures exchanged whispers, casting wary glances at the other factions present.

On the side of the Immortal Clan, Qiu Jian of the Heavenly Star Sect stood tall, arms crossed. His thunderous aura commanded respect. Beside him, his fiancée Xue Yuming of Snowy Night Mountain wore an impassive expression, her piercing gaze scanning the map. Not far from them, Cang Fei of the Ethereal Skies Sect idly twirled a wine cup between his fingers, while Yin Mei of the Moon Sword Sect observed the scene with detachment.

Among the ancestral families, Hu Guowei, representing the White Tiger, faced Ruoxi Feng, a direct descendant of the Vermilion Bird. Both were respected figures, their names synonymous with power.

However, an unexpected presence disrupted the group’s balance.

Standing slightly apart, a man with a singular appearance wore a mischievous smile. A mask covered half his face, revealing chiseled features and a piercing gaze. His cyan, curly hair fell in wild strands, while his ears resembled gills, showcasing his amphibious nature. His luxurious, sleeveless tunic revealed prominent muscles, raw power concealed beneath apparent nonchalance.

Guan Yushen, heir of the Abyssal Krakens.

His name alone was enough to grind teeth, but his presence here was pure provocation. His family was not particularly liked, as they were the main cause of the Qilin’s downfall, and their territory lay over the Cloud Dynasty.

Guowei glared at him with suspicion, his fingers tightening on his sword’s hilt.

"Why is he here?"

Yushen snickered, a mocking glint in his eyes.

"It should be me asking the questions. I don’t recall the son of that madwoman being named Guowei."

Guowei’s aura intensified instantly, an oppressive wave emanating from his body. Regardless of what he thought of his matriarch, he couldn’t tolerate her being insulted in public.

"You insult my Matriarch?"

"Yes, and what are you going to do about it?"

"You!"

He took a step forward, but before he could attack, a calm yet authoritative voice intervened.

"Calm down. Please. It is of the utmost importance that—"

"Shut up, Qing Long. I’m not one of your subjects, and to me, you’re no different from a beggar."

A tense silence fell over the assembly. Qing Long, the imperial prince, was interrupted with absolute disdain, provoking an immediate reaction.

"Hey, you don’t talk to our prince like that!"

Cang Fei drew his sword, outraged by Yushen’s disrespect.

"Tsk, all the same."

Jian, who had been silently observing, muttered to himself, exasperated by the rampant arrogance.

"Cang Fei, calm down."

Yuming intervened hastily, trying to prevent an unnecessary escalation.

"Look at this. A prince so lax that insects dare to interrupt me."

Yushen unleashed his aura, a suffocating pressure bearing down on Cang Fei. But the latter didn’t flinch, his gaze resisting the attack.

Ruoxi merely smirked, enjoying the spectacle as if it were a theatrical performance. In contrast, Yin Mei sighed in boredom. She had come to hunt the Devourer, not to witness an ego clash between heirs of ancestral families.

"Please excuse me, Prince, but it seems the others are too busy for what truly matters."

She turned on her heel and headed for the exit.

"Do you think you can get away with anything, Yushen?"

Guowei, his Qi intensifying, stepped forward.

"It seems I’ll have to correct you for your father."

"Martial brothers, please calm down—"

Qing Long tried once more to ease the tension, but no one listened.

"You talk too much. I’ve already insulted your Matriarch. What are you going to do?"

Yin Mei, already near the exit, raised an eyebrow. It was clear the situation wouldn’t improve. She was about to leave the tent when someone entered.

A calm yet threatening voice resonated in the air.

"I heard someone insulting my mother?"

A chill ran through the room. The newcomer had unleashed his full power with his mere presence. Jian, without thinking, drew his spear, ready to attack the new arrival. But Xue Yuming gently placed a hand on his arm, stopping him.

"Oh? That must be the trash of the Hu family."

Yushen turned toward the door, a contemptuous smile on his lips.

In an instant, a figure appeared before him.

’ So fast!’

He didn’t even have time to react.

*Splash.*

A brutal backhand sent him crashing violently into the central table, shattering it under the impact.

Dead silence fell.

The man who had struck Guan Yushen was no weakling. He stood there, impassive, watching his opponent struggle to rise.

"I don’t know who you are."

His voice was calm, but his presence commanded respect.

"But you should watch your mouth."

Yushen, still dazed, got back on his feet, his eyes filled with rage and disbelief.

Guowei couldn’t believe his eyes.

Based on Yushen’s Qi, he assumed their power was equivalent. So how had this trash of the Hu family slapped him with such ease?

Doubt crept into him.

*’I must not let my guard down.’*

Yushen, furious, clenched his fists, ready to retaliate. But before he could make a move, the newcomer took a step forward, his icy gaze locking onto his.

"If you value your life, don’t make me repeat myself."

The tension escalated.

All eyes turned to Qing Long. Slowly, deep black horns, veined with a bluish glow, sprouted from his forehead—an undeniable sign of his draconic lineage. An invisible yet crushing pressure descended upon the tent, suffocating, making the air almost tangible.

For the first time, Guan Yushen felt a shiver of apprehension run down his spine. He knew Qing Long was powerful, but he had never witnessed such a manifestation of his Qi.