Library of Heaven's Path Chapter 2268 (END) - Side Story 3: Sun Qiang

“They must be the sweetest lovebirds in the Firmament…”

Whenever Fairy Linglong remembered Zhang Xuan soaring away through the skies alongside Nie Lingxi and Luo Qiqi, blessed by throngs of powerhouses, an intense surge of envy gripped her heart.

As one of the God Monarchs from birth, her existence was fated to diverge sharply from ordinary folks. Still, she yearned deeply for the tender affections found among mortals.

For so long, she had dreamed of encountering a man vastly superior in strength, someone she could lean on completely.

Yet, most God Monarchs matched her power level, with a few even falling a bit short. Though some had confessed their affections to her before, she felt no spark toward them whatsoever.

It wasn't arrogance on her part; she simply longed for that fiery, heartfelt romance straight out of mortal tales.

Such passion was beyond what the Cloud Dragon Monarch or the rest could offer her.

She understood them far too intimately, which killed any chance of attraction.

The Cloud Dragon Monarch was a notorious womanizer, fathering offspring scattered across the world.

The Deathless Monarch obsessed over ways to end his own life, like a gloomy recluse with zero interest in women.

God Monarch Fumeng possessed a fiery temper and scant patience.

Demon Monarch Qiankun came off as far too effeminate for her taste.

God Monarch Zhuoyang acted rashly and bluntly, missing the finer points. Rumors even swirled that he skipped undergarments often. Gross.

The Heavenly Sword God Monarch was wedded to his blade—no further words needed.

The Heaven Subjugation Monarch harbored no worldly cravings, akin to a monk in strict asceticism.

And God Monarch Lingxi was a woman…

Indeed! No fitting match existed among the God Monarchs, explaining her enduring single status over the years.

Yet… watching those affectionate pairs stirred her to ponder when her own moment of romance would arrive?

As a woman, she yearned for a steadfast ally by her side, bolstering her through every trial.

Even as a God Monarch, she wasn't devoid of human longings. Perhaps from this burning wish for a partner, sleepless nights plagued her. No matter her efforts, slumber eluded her.

Such irritation truly vexed her.

Thus, witnessing Luo Ruoxin and Luo Qiqi's union filled her with profound jealousy.

How she desired to stand in their shoes!

With a heavy sigh, Fairy Linglong shoved those notions aside and strolled the avenues of Linglong Royal City.

A month after Zhang Xuan and God Monarch Lingxi's lavish wedding, the buzz lingered on. Folks chattered animatedly about it everywhere.

Fairy Linglong eavesdropped on their whispers briefly before entering an upscale tavern.

Disguised prior to venturing out, no one could identify her true identity.

God Monarchs didn't linger eternally in vast, chilly palaces—that would bore them to death! Occasionally, they masked as commoners to relish everyday existence.

Claiming a window spot, she ordered several dishes and relished them leisurely.

As the savory bites began soothing her inner turmoil, a throng in matching attire burst into the tavern.

“It’s him!”

A stifled cry rang out, and the newly arrived dozens fixed their stares on a middle-aged man seated nearby.

Slightly rotund, the man faced away, hiding his features from Fairy Linglong's view.

Unaware of the scrutiny, the middle-aged man clutched his wine cup leisurely, sipping without a care.

Red braised pork belly and pig trotters crowded his table; he devoured them greedily, grease shining on his mouth.

“Surround him!”

Identifying their quarry, the group's head—a middle-aged fellow—signaled with a raised hand.

Huala!

The dozens encircled the man swiftly. Even before striking, their menacing killing intent chilled the air.

The leader cupped his fists toward the patrons. “Esteemed friends, we have business here. Kindly vacate for now—I'll cover all tabs today!”

“Yes yes, we're heading out…”

“Shangguan Clan members!”

“Shangguan Clan?”

“Indeed! Post Conferred God King Baiye Qinghong's demise, Conferred God King Shangguan's clan seized dominance in Linglong Royal City. We can't risk offending them!”

“And the fat guy? Why target him?”

“No clue, and better not meddle. Quick—let's exit!”

…

Under murmured exchanges, patrons fled the tavern hastily.

This wasn't their affair, and meddling with Linglong Royal City's top clan spelled trouble.

Left behind: the dozens, the fatty, and Fairy Linglong.

In poor spirits, she had finally found respite. No way she'd abandon it now.

Noticing the lingering patron, the leader scowled. “Friend, Shangguan Clan business afoot. Please depart, lest we accidentally harm you. That'd be most regrettable, no?”

“Carry on as you wish. I'm merely observing…” Fairy Linglong replied, pouring herself wine.

But mid-sentence, a massive shadow fell over her. Glancing up, the fatty had plopped down across, offering pig trotters with a grin. “Miss, best you exit the tavern. They're after me—would hate for you to get caught in the crossfire…”

Only now, seated opposite, did she behold his face clearly. Warm and approachable, not strikingly handsome yet radiating a peculiar allure.

Rejecting the trotters, Fairy Linglong eyed him inquisitively. “Shangguan Clan folks—aren't you afraid?”

Her sharp insight pegged him as high-tier Celestial God. Yet he faced their experts fearlessly, even fretting for her safety. This fatty boasted more resolve than expected.

“Fear? What's to fear from them?” the fatty laughed. “Mere weaklings banding together!”

Detecting his genuine lack of dread, Fairy Linglong's interest piqued.

She had personally conferred Shangguan Yunwan. Unwed, yet with seven brothers, the Shangguan Clan dwarfed other Firmament powers in size.

A mere high-tier Celestial God, utterly dauntless. Whence his boldness?

Those words made the leader's brows twitch furiously as he glared murderously at Sun Qiang. “Courting death!”

Realizing combat inevitable, Sun Qiang set down his trotters and rose. Sleeves flung back, he addressed the encirclers coolly. “This young lady's a stranger to me, uninvolved. Attack freely, but spare her the hassle.”

Witnessing his protectiveness amid peril, Fairy Linglong viewed the fatty anew.

Right or wrong aside, his poise and character outshone the Shangguan bunch entirely.

Chivalrous and considerate, he must've charmed many women in his youth.

Such a scene was unprecedented in Fairy Linglong's vast lifespan.

“Humph! We came for you regardless!” The leader snorted icily, cueing his men to strike.

Instantly, countless sword qi erupted toward the fatty.

Face calm, the fatty smirked, dodging their assaults nimbly like butterflies amid blooms. Astonishingly, none connected.

Peng peng peng peng!

Muffled impacts echoed; the dozens of middle-tier Celestial Gods crumpled, writhing in agony.

“Such superb battle instincts!” Fairy Linglong praised inwardly.

Her discerning gaze pierced the clash effortlessly.

Seemingly average high-tier Celestial God, yet via profound fighting insight, he triumphed over odds, felling numerous middle-tier foes with ease.

He pierced their weaknesses, foreseeing moves to counter preemptively.

Thus, despite their swarm, Shangguan attackers couldn't touch him—instead, they fell rapidly.

“Fools… Don't celebrate beating my underlings!”

Subordinates downed so swiftly, the leader's visage turned grim. Stepping up, he unleashed his aura, exposing Half-God King prowess.

Superior in cultivation and might to the fatty, his refined techniques hinted at core Shangguan heritage—likely a high echelon member.

Hu hu!

Unhesitating, he unleashed a storm of sword qi at the fatty.

Though adept in combat, the fatty struggled against the onslaught with his cultivation, retreating steadily.

“Watch out,” Fairy Linglong cautioned, brow furrowed.

He had impressed her greatly; injury would displease her.

“Thanks for the concern, but I'm good. As I said, just weaklings!” The fatty chuckled, retreating while snatching a trotter. Biting lustily, he eyed the leader arrogantly, exuding warrior's might. “Show me your strength!”

Words done, his bulky form lunged ahead.

“That's the heroic aura they speak of,” Fairy Linglong whispered, eyes aglow, as long-dormant emotions stirred within.

She'd deemed no man worthy of her love in this world, yet this unremarkable fatty captivated her.

Weak he might be, but his unshakeable poise faced far mightier foes.

No commoner could match that.

Overpowered by the fatty's presence, the leader faltered briefly before gritting teeth and counter-charging.

Peng peng peng!

After exchanges, the bold fatty still got repelled by the leader.

Confidence couldn't bridge his power gap fully.

“Insolent fool! Dare touch me? Know who I am?” the fatty roared lion-like.

“Who?” the leader queried, momentarily stunned.

The fatty's bravado, even against Shangguan might, sowed doubt.

Powerful yes, but Shangguan couldn't trifle with all—like pre-fall Baiye Qinghong, whose wrath could've devastated them.

“Heavens' butler, that's me!” the fatty proclaimed loftily, viewing all beneath him. “Striking me defies the Firmament! Rebelling against heaven? Seeking doom!”

Hula!

Wrist flick revealed a token, tiny yet heaven-weighted. Defiers would face celestial wrath.

“Sovereign Zhang Xuan’s aura?” Fairy Linglong gasped, recognizing it instantly.

Was this heart-stirring fatty tied to Zhang Xuan?

Peng!

As Fairy Linglong puzzled, the fatty brandished the token, seized battle momentum, and toppled the leader. Shaking his head disappointingly, he sighed, “Another letdown foe…”

Trotters aside, hands clasped behind, he departed lightly, as if no fray occurred.

“Friend, hold on!”

Never before such carefree soul; unable to restrain, Fairy Linglong stood and called. “Your name, if I may?”

“I am…” The fatty lifted chin proudly, eyes ablaze. “Sun Qiang!”

“Sun Qiang?” Fairy Linglong memorized it, smiling as she nodded to the table. “Your pig trotters…”

Sun Qiang glanced back suavely. “Yours now…”

Fairy Linglong blushed faintly.

…

One year on, Fairy Linglong and Sun Qiang celebrated a magnificent wedding.

From then, she slumbered soundly every night.